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Allen,  Benjamin,  1789-1829. 
Memoir  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin 
Allen 


ri^ 


iisn^m 


OF    THE 


REF.  BE^JAMIX   AL.L.EI^, 


LATE  EECTOR  OF  ST.  PAUL  S  CHURCH,  PHILADELPHIA. 


BY  HIS  BROTHER, 

THE  REV.  THOMAS  G.  ALLEN. 


TO   WHICH   IS   ADDED, 

THE  FUNERAL  SERMON 

DELIVERED  IN  ST.  PAUL's  CHURCH,  FOR  THE  IMPROVEMENT  OF   I  Hi: 
DEATH  OF  MR.  ALLEN,  B¥ 

THE  REV.  GREGORY  T.  BEDELL,   D.  D. 


ALSO,  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE 

BIBLE  CLASSES  OF  ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH, 

\\  hitti  »us  written  by  Mr.  Allen  in  Engl  ind,  and  there  published  since  his  death, 
for  the  benefit  of  his  Family. 


LATIMER  &,  CO.  NO.  13,  SOUTH  FOURTH  STREET. 
William  Stavely,  Printer. 

1832. 


Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania,  to  wit: 

Be  it  remembered,  That  on  the  nineteenth  day  of  De- 

[L  S.]  cember,   anno   domini  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 

thirty-one,  THOMAS  G.  ALLEN,  of  the  said  District,  hath 

deposited  in  this  office  the  Title  of  a  Book,  the  title  of  which  is 

in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Memoir  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  late  Rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Philadelphia.  By  his  brother,  the  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Al- 
len. To  which  is  added,  the  Funeral  Sermon  delivered  in  St. 
Paul's  Church,  for  the  improvement  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Allen, 
by  the  Rev.  Gregory  T.  Bedell,  D.  D.  Also,  the  History  of  the 
Bible  Classes  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  which  was  written  by  Mr. 
Allen  in  England,  and  there  published  since  his  death,  for  the 
benefit  of  his  family,"  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  Author. 

In  conformity  with  an  Act  of  Congress,  entitled,  •'  An  Act  to 
amend  the  several  Acts  respecting  copyrights." 

FRA'S.  HOPKINSON, 

Clerk  of  the  District. 


CONTENTS, 


P«gr 

Preface. 5 

Chapter  I.— The  Parentage  and  Birth  of  the  Rev.  Benja- 
min Allen,  and  incidents  of  Childhood  and  Youth.     -        -      7 

Chap.  II. — His  removal  from  Hudson — His  residence  in  Ber- 
lin, and  his  Correspondence. 26 

Chap.  III. — His  return  to  Hudson,  and  the  publication  of  his 
first  volume  of  Poems. 41 

Chap.  IV. — The  publication  of  his  second  volume  of  Poems — 
His  Marriage— His  Correspondence,  &c.,  during  1812.      -    50 

Chap.  V. — The  mode  of  conducting  his  Temporal  Affairs — 
His  health  fails— Birth  of  his  first  Son— The  publication 
ofhis  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  volume  of  Poems.  -        -    70 

Chap.  VI. — Publication  of  his  sixth  and  last  volume  of  Poems 
— He  joins  the  Episcopal  Church — Removes  to  the  State 
of  Virginia.     ----.....90 

Chap.  VII. — Extracts  from  his  Correspondence  during  1813 
and  1814. 96 

Chap.  VIII. — His  settlement  in  Virginia — He  applies  for 
Ordination — Pecuniary  Difficulties.  -        -        -        -  116 

Chap.  IX. — He  publishes  the  Layman's  Magazine — Further 
views  of  his  extensive  labours  in  Virginia — His  success — 
He  receives  Deacon's  Orders, 138 

Chap.  X. — From  his  receiving  Deacon's  Orders  in  1816,  to 
the  close  of  the  year  1819.      .......  1.54 

Chap.  XL — Extracts  from  his  Correspondence  during  a  part 
of  1815  and  1819,  inclusive. 176 

Chap.  XII. — Episcopal  Society  of  the  Valley  organized — 
Sermon  on  spreading  the  Gospel — Division  of  the  Diocess 
proposed. Ig7 

Chap.  XIIL— Notice  of  Funeral  Sermons— Publishes  the  His. 
tory  of  the  Reformation. 205 

Chap.  XIV.— Preaching  Tour  to  Convention — Filial  Affec- 
tion—Call to  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia— His  re- 
moval— Motives — His  standing. 213 

Chap.  XV. — Additional  Extracts  from  his  Correspondence 
during  1820-21. -243 

Chap.  XVI. — View  of  his  new  scene  of  labour  in  Philadel- 
phia — Extracts  from  one  of  his  first  Sermone.    ...  250 


IV  CONTENTS. 

Page 

Chajptfr  XVn. — He  publishes  a  volume  of  Sermons — Liv- 
ing Manners — Second  and  third  edition  of  the  Reforma- 
tion— Also,  the  History  of  the  Church — Extracts.     -        -  269 

Chap.  XVIII. — Clerical  Prayer-meeting — Promotes  the  erec- 
tion of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Philadelphia ;  also,  St  Mat- 
thew's Church,  Francisville. 289 

Chaj?.  XIX. — Promotes  Societies  in  his  own  Church — Pub- 
lic Lectures — General  Missionary  and  Bible  Society — 
Provident  Society — Public  Schools.  ...        -  304 

Chap.  XX. — Birth  of  Children — Health  fails — Journey  to 
Virginia,  also  to  Canada — Publishes  Newton  Family — 
Election  of  Assistant  Bishop.   ------  319 

Chap.  XXI. — Devotion  to  Bishop  Chase  and  Kenyon  Col- 
lege— Thought  of  moving  to  the  West — Urges  my  re- 
moval to  Kentucky — Visit  to  the  District  of  Columbia.      -  332 

Chap.  XXII. — Extracts  from  Correspondence.     ...  344 

Chap.  XXIII. — His  health  fails — Proposes  my  removal  to 
Philadelphia — Proposes  a  voyage  to  Europe — Church  Mis- 
sionary House — Christian  Magazine — New  Plans.    -        -  353 

Chap.  XXIV. — European  Voyage  arranged — Agent  of  So- 
cieties— Testimonies  of  affection  and  to  his  usefulness, 
from  his  People  and  Bible  Class,  &c. — My  arrival  in  Phi- 
ladelphia— His  departure — Cape  Letters.         -        -        -  369 

Chap.  XXV. — Journal  of  Proceedings,  from  his  leaving 
America  till  his  arrival  in  London.  -----  383 

Chap.  XXVI — Journal  from  his  arrival  in  London,  till  May 
31st. 407 

Chap.  XXVIL — The  close  of  his  Journal,  which  has  never 
before  been  published.     -------  458 

Chap.  XXVIII. — Extracts  from  his  Addresses  before  the 
Benevolent  Societies  of  England — Extracts  from  his  clos- 
ing Correspondence. 468 

Chap.  XXIX. — Additional  testimony  relative  to  his  labours 
in  England — Prostration  of  his  system — Goes  through  a 
course  of  medical  treatment — Arrangements  for  his  leav- 
ing England. 487 

Chap.  XXX. — He  sails  from  England — The  last  fruits  of  his 
pen — His  closing  scene — His  Death — Notices  and  antici- 
pations of  his  departure.  500. 

Funeral  Sermon  by  the  Rev.  G.  T.  Bedell,  D.  D.  -        -  513 

History  of  Bible  Classes.     -.,-.--  525 


PREFACE. 


Soox  after  I  received  the  painful  intelligence  of  the  death 
of  my  beloved  and  only  brother,  the  importance  of  present- 
ing to  the  world  some  account  of  the  incidents  of  his 
eventful  life,  was  impressed  upon  my  mind.  I  therefore 
resolved  immediately  to  engage  in  collecting  materials. 
But  this  work  was  much  delayed  by  the  information  from 
one  of  his  friends,  that  my  brother  had  already  prepared  a 
memoir  of  his  own  history.  Not  finding,  as  we  fondly 
hoped,  this  important  document  among  his  papers  which 
were  returned  to  us,  I  immediately  wrote  to  his  friends  in 
England,  presuming  that  by  some  means  it  was  left  be- 
hind. The  answers  received  were  unfavourable.  Thus 
disappointed,  I  had,  after  much  delay,  almost  abandoned 
my  design,  other  difficulties  also  presenting.  Finally,  from 
the  peculiar  circumstances  of  my  situation,  which  appeared 
to  invite  me  to  the  work  and  labour  of  love,  I  have  again 
determined,  by  the  blessing  of  my  Heavenly  Father,  to 
proceed,  even  should  the  facts  thus  thrown  together,  go  no 
farther  than  the  circle  of  intimate  friends.  I  feel  the  diffi- 
culty and  the  responsibility  of  the  work,  and  I  would  con- 
tinually look  to  our  gracious  God,  that  he  would  so  influ- 


enee  and  direct  my  mind  and  heart  by  His  blessed  Spirit 
and  infinite  wisdom,  that  all  my  efforts  may  be  conducted 
to  the  most  happy  issue,  even  the  promotion  of  His  glory, 
and  the  salvation  of  immortal  souls.    Amen. 

THOMAS  G.  ALLEN. 
Philadelphia,  June  22d,  1830. 


MEMOIR 


CHAPTER  L 

THE  PARENTAGE  AND  BIRTH  OF  THE  REV.  BENJAMIN  AtlENj 
AND  INCIDENTS  OF  CHILDHOOD  AND  YOUTH. 

In  fcracing  back  the  forefathers  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin 
Allen,  much  apparent  piety  rises  to  view.  Thus  he  was 
the  child  of  many  prayers.  His  immediate  parents  werd 
reared  in  Rhode-Island ;  his  father  was  born  in  Providence, 
and  his  mother  in  Newport.  They  accompanied  the  emi" 
grants  from  that  State,  who  first  settled  the  city  of  Hud» 
son  m  the  State  of  New- York.  In  that  place  they  were 
married  on  the  9th  of  December,  1787o  Benjamin  wag 
their  first  child.  He  was  born  in  Hudson,  September  29th, 
1789.  We  have  the  following  account  of  his  mother  from 
her  surviving  connexions.  Her  sufferings  for  many  years 
before  her  death  were  great.  And  her  afflictions,  we  trust, 
v-'ere  sanctified  to  her  soul.  She  never  made  a  public 
profession  of  religion ;  this,  no  doubt,  arose  in  part  from 
the  fact,  that  there  was  no  regularly  organized  Church  in 
Hudson  till  after  her  death.  However,  to  use  the  language 
of  her  friends,  whose  communications  are  now  before  me, 
she  was  "  an  excellent  woman,  a  possessor  of  religion,  and 
good  evidence  that  she  was  born  of  God ;  a  sainted  mother." 
Under  her  peculiar  trials,  she  bore  up  with  Christian  forti- 


8  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

tude.  A  few  days  before  her  death,  she  observed  she  had 
lost  all  fear  of  man,  and  had  given  herself  entirely  to  God. 
On  the  day  of  her  death,  she  inquired  if  she  was  not  dying, 
and  she  appeared  much  gratified  with  an  answer  in  the 
affirmative.  Her  sister  writes,  "  We  trust  she  fell  quietly 
into  the  arms  of  her  Saviour,  in  whom  she  had  so  long 
put  her  trust,  and  who  had  supported  her  in  her  severest 
trials."  In  her  conduct  to  her  family,  "  as  far  as  her  pri- 
vileges and  circumstances  in  life  would  admit,  she  endea- 
voured to  lead  her  little  ones  in  the  only  path  which  would 
guide  them  to  everlasting  happiness."  "  She  prayed  with 
and  for  her  children."  Thus  my  brother  was  nurtured  in 
the  lap  of  piety,  and  his  early  years  were  spent  under  the 
fostering  hand  of  one,  who,  out  of  much  tribulation,  has 
entered  into  eternal  rest.  She  died  of  a  pulmonary  dis- 
ease, April  4th,  1801,  aged  37  years,  and  nearly  10  months. 
Benjamin  was  in  his  twelfth  year  at  this  time.  His  loss 
he  considered  irreparable.  He  ever  fondly  cherished  her 
3memory,  and  her  affectionate  and  pious  intercourse  with 
her  children.  He  always  said,  that  the  seeds  of  piety  were 
sown  in  his  heart  by  her  hands.  These  were  his  feelings 
and  views  throughout  his  life.  In  the  year  1827, 1  delivered 
a  sermon  in  one  of  the  churches  in  Maryland,  in  which  1 
acknowledged  myself  indebted  to  the  early  instructions  of 
my  mother,  as  the  instrument  in  the  hands  of  God,  of 
laying  the  foundation  in  my  heart,  of  all  my  subsequent 
attainments  and  enjoyments  in  the  spirit  and  usefulness  to 
my  fellows.  A  person  present,  afterwards  informed  me, 
that  my  brother  on  some  former  occasion,  had  made  a 
similar  declaration  from  the  same  pulpit,  as  to  our  mother's 
influence  on  his  own  heart  and  life.  The  happy  effect  of 
her  instructions  was  speedily  displayed  in  the  opening  mind 
and  heart  of  my  brother.  One  who  watched  over  his  child- 
hood observes ;  "  from  the  earliest  period  it  was  easily  dis- 
covered that  his  disposition  was  amiable,  and  his  heart 


REV.  BENJAMN  ALLEN,  0 

overflowing  with  the  milk  of  human  kindness."  Another 
connexion  states,  that  he  "was  always  studious  when  a 
boy,  and  free  from  the  follies  incident  to  youth." 

When  about  11  years  of  age  he  left  school  and  entered 
his  father's  store.  Shortly  after  the  death  of  our  mother, 
our  father  broke  up  housekeeping,  and  took  me  to  Provi. 
dence,  for  the  purpose  of  attending  school,  and  boarding 
in  his  brother's  family.  In  this  journey  my  brother  accom- 
panied us.  They  soon  returned  to  Hudson.  I  have  a 
letter  before  me  dated  May  21st,  1802,  which  Benjamin 
wrote  to  me.  In  this  letter  he  gives  me  the  counsel  of  a 
parent,  rather  than  a  brother  of  12  years.  And  he  displays 
much  solicitude,  not  only  as  to  my  moral  deportment,  but 
also  as  to  the  discharge  of  my  duties  towards  God,  and  my 
preparation  to  meet  death,  as  he  says,  "with  a  smile." 
From  the  evidence  before  me,  it  is  manifest  that  his  mind 
was  early  inquiring  after  knowledge,  and  his  heart  soon 
impressed  with  divine  truth.  Not  long  before  his  death, 
he  observed  to  a  friend  in  this  city,  that  at  the  age  of  13 
years,  he  was  acquainted  with  the  enjoyments  of  religion 
in  some  degree.  He  would  then  retire  for  meditation  and 
reading  the  Bible. 

The  first  unfoldings  of  the  bud  of  immortality,  and  the 
first  feeble  efforts  of  the  rational  soul  to  soar  to  Heaven, 
should  certainly  be  gratefully  cherished,  especially  as  we 
are  assured  that  the  infinitely  wise  God  favourably  regards 
the  day  of  small  things. 

A  paper  containing  two  prayers,  signed  by  my  brother, 
dated  Hudson,  May  20th,  1801,  affords  us  a  view  of  his 
early  exercises.  It  should  be  remembered,  that  he  was 
then  between  11  and  13  years  of  age.  The  first  prayer  is 
a  short  confession  of  sins,  and  an  acknowledgment  of  the 
justice  of  God  in  his  judgments,  and  closes  with  this  peti- 
tion :  "  Be  merciful  unto  me,  O  Lord,  for  my  Saviour's  sake, 
and  receive  me  unto  thy  bosom,  or  guide  me  in  thy  ways." 
b2 


10  MEMOIR  OP  THE 

The  second  bursts  forth  at  its  commencement  with  the 
notes  of  praise  and  adoration  thus :     "  Praised,  praised  for 
ever  be  thy  name,  oh  God,  Most  High  !  thy  loving-  kind- 
ness, thy   tender   mercies   are   not  withcbravvn   from   the 
sinner.     We  are  still  surrounded  by  thy  bounties:   still 
permitted  to  praise  thee,  to  supplicate  thy  favour,  to  adore 
thy  wisdom,  to  celebrate  thy  goodness.     Thus  ennobled 
shall  we  repine  and  murmur  at  thy  dispensations,  if  the 
thorns  and  briers  of  affliction  are  scattered  in  the  way  of 
our  pilgrimage  to  the  bosom  of  our  Father,  the  dwelling  of 
our  God?   We  sinners  kneel  before  thee  in  the  dust.  O 
may  our  prayers  ascend  to  thy  celestial  throne.     Look  witii 
an  eye  of  compassion  on  us,  OGod,  in  this  valley  of  death, 
this  abode  of  sin.     Our  iniquities  are  great,  but  thine  in- 
finite goodness  is  still  greater.     We  are  polluted  in  thy 
sight;  thou  beholdest  our  impurities;   yet  thou  hast  not 
turned  thy  face  from  us :  thou  still  vouchsafest  to  look  on 
us  in  our  misery  with  a  propitious  eye.     Thou  permittest 
us  to  implore  thee :  thou  hast  not  abandoned  the  sinner. 
Eternal  praises  rise  to  thee.     Thy  works,  O  God,  render 
thee  praise !   the  beauties  of  spring,  the  serenity  of  the 
heavens  show  forth  thy  beneficence :  the  loud  voice  of  thy 
thunders,  the  ratling  hail,  the  howling  storm,  proclaim  thy 
power:   smiling  joy  glorifies  thee.     Thy  justice  is  also 
glorified  by  the  tea^s  of  sorrow.     We  have  beheld  the  son 
of  sin,  frightful  death.    He  has  come  to  our  dwelling  in  a 
form  most  hideous.     Eternal  praises  be  rendered  to  thee 
who  hast  received  the  soul  of  the  happy  deceased  into  the 
regions  of  never-ending  feiUcity,    Death   has   seized   his 
victim.     We  shall  follow  one  after  another  to  the  dark  and 
silent  grave.     O  thou  who  createdst  the  heavens !  at  whose 
word  this  world  arose  from  nothing !  they  shall  perish,  the 
heavens  and  earth  shall  pass  away,  but  thou  art  eternal. 
We  dwell  in  bodies  of  dust.     This  dust  shall  be  dissolved ; 
but  thou  art  unchangeable,  and  wilt  raise  to  glory  the  sin* 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  11 

ner  who  deplores  his  crimes,  and  the  righteous  man  who 
mourns  that  his  virtues  are  mixed  with  imperfections,  and 
his  highest  attainments  sullied  by  human  frailty.  Thou 
wilt  gather  them  together  out  of  the  dust,  to  bestow  on 
them  eternal  joys,  angelic  purity  :  for  O  promise  ineffable  ! 
the  seed  of  the  woman  shall  bruise  the  serpent's  head. 
Mystery  sublime !  mystery  profound !  wrapt  in  an  holy 
obscurity,  which  no  finite  being  can  penetrate  :  but  full  of 
divine  consolations.  The  sinner  is  reconciled  to  God  ;  the 
offender  is  restored  to  peace  and  hope.  Shall  man  then 
lament  in  the  dust ;  shall  he  groan  in  despair,  if  the  dream 
of  life  is  alternately  filled  with  joy  and  sorrow?  Death 
approaches,  it  shall  break  the  shackels  of  the  soul  and 
free  it  from  the  consequences  of  a  just  malediction.  Then 
those,  who,  while  clothed  in  dust  forgot  not  their  original 
purity,  who  loved  virtue,  who  loved  God,  who  kindled  in 
their  hearts  the  seraphic  flame,  shall  be  assembled  together 
in  their  mansions  on  high  to  enjoy  their  incessant,  eternal 
felicity — lost  in  their  immensity,  the  first  Archangel  can 
but  imperfectly  express  his  sensations !  man  can  only  feel 
them." 

This  prayer  is  dated  only  a  few  weeks  after  our  mother's 
death,  and  it  evidently  alludes  to  this  afflictive  providence. 
His  use  of  the  plural  "  we,"  leads  me  to  conclude  that  he 
formed  the  prayer  with  the  intention  of  using  it  in  con- 
nexion with  myself,  as  we  were  the  only  surviving  chil- 
dren, although  I  have  no  distinct  recollection  of  the  circum- 
stance, for  I  was  not  then  seven  years  of  age.  Though 
this  paper  bears  many  marks  of  its  being  original,  at  least 
in  part,  yet  if  in  the  minds  of  some,  it  displays  a  clearness 
of  apprehension  of  Divine  things,  and  a  sublimity  of  idea 
far  beyond  what  could  be  anticipated  from  a  child  of  eleven 
years  of  age ;  still  the  mere  arrangement  of  the  sentences 
and  its  adaptation  to  the  peculiar  providence  under  which 
he  was  passing,  evidences  a  maturity  of  judgment,  a  liveli- 


12  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

ness  of  imagination,  and  an  ardour  of  piety  which  may 
well  cause  us  with  astonishment  to  exclaim,  this  is  the 
Lord's  work. 

His  poetical  talent  also  began  at  this  season  to  unfold, 
as  appears  from  the  following  small  manuscript  volume  of 
attempts  at  poetry,  which  I  have  found  with  his  signature. 
It  was  commenced  June  11th,  1801.  It  contains  a  piece 
on  the  death  of  General  George  Washington.  One  entitled 
the  Last  Day:  on  Wickedness:  on  Virtue:  on  the  works 
of  God,  and  an  Acrostic  on  our  mother.  The  last  is  as 
follows : — 

"  Pale  death  hath  laid  her  weary, 

On  the  cold  earth  and  made  it  her  bed, 

Leaving  all  behind  with  joy. 

Lovely  in  her  Maker's  image 

Yonder  sky  she  mounteth. 

"  Above  now  singing  praises, 
Lovely  to  be  heard, 
Louder  and  yet  louder  still, 
Ever  praising  God  above, 
Now  she  reaps  the  fruits  of  virtue." 
"June  12th,  ISOl." 

This  was  but  a  few  months  after  our  mother's  death.  I 
find  also  the  following  in  his  own  hand  writing. 

"  Agur's  Wish — Prov.  xxx.  7." 
"  Oh  Thou  whose  dictate  all  things  did  create, 
And  who  assigns  to  every  man  his  fate ; 
Protect  me  with  thy  providential  care, 
And  be  propitious  to  my  humble  prayer. 

Restrain  my  thoughts  within  their  proper  sphere, 
And  let  my  words  be  honest  and  sincere; 
Permit,  if  'tis  thy  will,  my  lot  to  be. 
Remote  as  well  from  want  and  penury, 
As  from  abundant  riches,  and  their  train 
Of  empty  pleasures,  insolent  and  vain. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  13 

While  here  I  live,  great  God  vouchsafe  to  grant, 

That  I  may  know  nor  luxury  nor  want; 

Lest  my  full  soul  despise  thy  holy  word, 

And  with  presumption  ask,  who  is  the  Lord? 

Or  lest  through  indolence,  I  chance  to  stray, 

From  virtue,  and  her  precept  disobey. 

Let  discontent  and  murmur  be  suppressed, 

And  peaceful  wishes  reign  within  my  breast ; 

That  so  my  future  days  may  all  be  spent. 

In  virtue,  piety,  and  sweet  content." 

"BENJ'N.  ALLEN,  Jr." 
"Hudson,  June  9th,  1801." 

Another  piece,  written  on  the  blank  leaves  of  his  Gamut 
book  is  before  me.  It  is  headed  "  Bunker  Hill."  On 
account  of  its  sentiment  and  spirit,  I  feel  constrained  to 
give  an  extract.  After  referring  to  the  field  of  battle  in 
the  first  verse,  it  proceeds — 

"  Death  will  invade  us  by  the  means  appointed, 
And  we  must  all  bow  to  the  king  of  terrors. 
Nor  am  I  anxious,  if  I  am  prepared. 
What  shape  he  comes  in." 

"  Infinite  goodness  teaches  us  submission. 
Bids  us  be  quiet  under  all  his  dealings. 
Never  repining,  but  for  ever  praising 
God  our  Creator." 

The  writer  then  expatiates  on  the  resplendant  glory  of 
Jehovah,  acknowledges  his  goodness,  in  judgments  as  well 
as  mercies ;  exults  in  his  reign,  and  declares  his  willingness 
to  give  his  "  life  up  when  called  to  yield  it."  After  this 
he  is  led  to  describe  the  scene  at  Bethlehem,  and  celebrate 
the  praises  of  God  his  Redeemer.  In  the  eighth  verse  he 
proceeds — 

"  Hark !  whence  that  sound,  hark !  hark !  the  joyful  shoutings  • 
See,  see  what  splendour  spreads  its  beams  around  us, 
Turning  dark  midnight  into  noon-tide  glory, 
As  it  approaches." 


14  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  With  pomp  majestic,  see  the  heavenly  vision 
Slowly  desending,  whilst  attendant  angels  pour 
Declamations,  and  celestial  chauntuigs 
Wake  our  attention." 

"  Fear  not  ye  shepherds,  'tis  the  Prince  of  Peace  comes, 
Full  of  compassion,  full  of  love  and  pity. 
Bringing  salvation  for  the  lost 
Of  mankmd." 

"  Go  pay  your  homage  to  your  infant  Saviour, 
And  in  a  manger  view  the  Lord  of  glory. 
Meanly  attended,  yet  the  great  Redeemer,'— 
Yon  star  shall  guide  you." 

"Give  God  the  glory,  all  ye  hosts  celestial, 
Peace  dwells  on  earth  and  man  enjoys  his  favour, 
Raised  from  death's  dungeon,  heir  to  life  eternal 
Through  a  Mediator.^* 

It  is  evident  from  all  the  papers  before  me,  in  connexion 
with  this  early  period  of  his  history,  that  he  was  much 
occupied  in  the  Gospel  and  its  salvation.  He  kept  a 
regular  record  of  the  deaths  as  they  occurred  in  his  native 
place.  He  copied  from  some  author,  no  doubt,  an  Expla- 
nation of  the  Ten  Commandments.  This  appeared  to  be 
his  favourite  exercise.  Portions  of  these  transcripts  are 
now  lost.  The  date  of  the  first  copy  is  March  11th,  1801, 
and  this  is  "  part  2d,"  thus  we  may  presume  that  he  had 
before  been  similarly  engaged.  W^e  find  part  of  another 
copy  of  the  Comment,  dated  December  16th,  1801 :  and  a 
third  dated  April  13th,  1802 :  and  a  fourth  copy  nearly 
finished,  occupying  considerable  paper,  and  written  in  a 
fairer  hand,  is  dated  1S03,  February.  To  this  is  also 
annexed  the  dates  of  1804  and  1805.  Perhaps  it  was  his 
custom  to  copy  this  explanation  of  the  Decalogues  at  least 
once  a  year.   The  explanation  itself  appears  to  be  designed 


REV.  BENJAAUN  ALLEN.  15 

not  only  to  have  a  moral,  but  a  spiritual  and  saving  influ- 
ence upon  the  heart. 

A  manuscript  is  likewise  in  my  hand,  entitled  *'  a  Prayer 
Book.  Commenced,  Hudson,  June  12, 1801."  It  contains 
one  prayer,  and  a  second  but  partly  formed.  The  first,  let 
It  proceed  from  his  own  inventive  powers,  or  be  copied  by 
him  from  some  other  source  ;  its  appearing  in  his  hand  and 
his  signature  attached  so  unfolds  the  views  and  feelings  of 
his  soul  that  I  cannot  refrain  from  placing  it  here. 

*'  A  MORNING  MEDITATION." 

"  Again,  O  God  !  thy  kind  mercy  through  another  night 
has  preserved  me — thy  visible  guardian  Providence,  hath 
from  danger  defended  me :  Thou  didst  scatter  balmy  sleep 
over  my  animal  spirits,  by  which  I  find  my  bodily  strength 
renewed,  and  my  mental  powers  refreshed.  Adored  be 
that  Divine  bounty,  which  hath  granted  me  those  conve- 
niences, which  numbers,  far  more  wortliy  than  I  am,  do  not 
enjoy.  How  many,  O  Lord,  have  spent  on  beds  of  lan- 
guishing, the  darksome  night — others  with  minds  distracted, 
have  passed  the  gloomy  hours — some  in  noisome  prisons, 
and  awful  to  think  on,  numbers  in  the  dismal  confines  of 
the  bottomless  pit — while  unworthy  I,  have  reposed  sweetly, 
and  now  behold  the  cheering  rays  of  the  sun,  feel  his  warm 
and  genial  influence — and  am  permitted  to  view  the  sur- 
rounding beauties  of  nature — the  fields  clothed  with  ver- 
dure, the  bleating  flocks,  the  sportive  lamb,  the  sweet- 
scented  garden,  joined  with  the  harmonious  sonnets  of  the 
feathered  race,  may  please  my  senses  and  fill  me  with 
amaze.  But,  my  God!  what  are  they,  and  what  is  the 
highest  enjoyment  all  the  works  of  nature  can  afford  ?  With- 
out thy  presence  all  is  vanity.  The  fanning  breeze  might 
as  soon  satisfy  my  natural  wants,  as  all  created  things  my 
soul. 

^     '  Without  thy  presence  and  thyself, 
I  am  a  wretch  imdone.' 


16  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  But  O  God !  permit  me,  before  I  immerge  into  the  busi- 
ness of  the  day,  to  find  thee  near.  When  I  consider  thy 
past  favours,  I  bow  with  gratitude ;  with  thankfulness  my 
heart  overflows.  I  have  found  thee  not  only  at  hand  to 
support,  but  near  to  supply.  How  often  hath  the  kindness 
of  thy  grace  cheered  me  when  drooping — kept  me  from 
wandering — and  encouraged  me  when  ready  to  halt.  Re- 
collection brings  to  my  mind  past  morning  visits,  when 
thou  hast  prepared  me  for  those  occurrences,  which  in  the 
day  I  had  to  pass  through,  though  I  knew  it  not.  How 
often  hast  thou  given  me  a  portion  from  thy  treasury,  which 
hath  been  as  a  staff,  a  shield  and  a  buckler,  when  I  could 
not  tell  for  why  I  had  it !  but  such  is  thy  condescension, 
such  thy  compassion,  such  thy  friendship,  O  thou  all-know- 
ing, all-seeing,  all-wise  Jehovah !  and  hast  thou  not  one 
blessing  more,  dear  Father?  Are  thy  store-houses  empty, 
thou  spiritual  Joseph  1  or  am  I  not  known  to  thee?  Begone 
my  unbelief — vanishmy    doubts ! 

Though  for  a  moment  he  departs, 
I  dwell  for  ever  near  his  heart, 
For  ever  he  near  mine. 

"  Is  it  so,  dear  Jesus !  Oh  !  why  should  I  so  grieve  thee,  as 
to  doubt  thy  faithfulness  ?  why  should  I  thus  sin  to  wound 
thee  ? 

Lord,  every  sin's  a  dart! 
And  every  trespass  lets  a  javlin  fly, 

And  every  javlin  wounds  the  tender  heart. 
Pardon,  dear  Lord !  what  I  have  done  amiss, 
And  pardon,  that  wonted  pardon  with  a  kiss. 

"  Be  with  me  this  day,  with  thy  gracious let  every 

mountain  of  difficulty  become  a  plain — let  me,  though 
cumbered  like  Martha,  experience  Mary's  comforts,  and 
may  my  soul  be  kept  unspotted  from  the  world.    And  unto 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  17 

thee  praise  be  given,  my  God,  my  Redeemer.    Amen. 
Hallelujah  i 

*  When  nature  fails  and  day  and  night 

Divide'^thy  works  no  more, 
My  ever  grateful  heart,  O  Lord, 
Thy  mercies  shall  adore.' 

BENJAMIN  ALLEN,  Jr. 
«  Hudson,  June  13th,  1801." 

The  following  unfinished  prayer  is  in  the  same  con- 
nexion— 

"  Most  gracious  Lord  God,  my  merciful  Father,  my 
Creator,  my  Redeemer,  and  my  Comforter.  Thou,  O  Lord, 
soundest  and  searchest  the  secrets  of  all  hearts ;  thou 
acknowledgest  the  upright  in  heart,  thou  judgest  the  hypo- 
crite ;  thou  ponderest  means,  thoughts,  and  doings,  as  in  a 
balance ;  thou  measurest  their  intentions  as  with  a  line ; 
vanity  and  crooked  ways  cannot  be  hid  from  thee  !" 

Some  interesting  lines  which  he  notes  as  written  by  the 
Rev.  John  Davis  on  the  birth  of  a  son,  were  copied  by  my 
brother,  and  dated  December  16th,  1801.  Two  other 
manuscripts  are  also  before  me,  evidently  transcripts  made 
by  him.  The  first  is  on  the  "General  Resurrection," 
dated  December  25th,  1801.  The  second  is  a  Prayer 
Book,  containing  a  number  of  prayers  for  morning  and 
evening,  designed  to  be  used  by  individuals,  and  in  families 
and  Sunday  schools.  These  exercises  of  his  mind,  and 
these  breathings  of  his  heart  after  God,  are  truly  remarka- 
ble in  a  boy  of  11  and  12  years  of  age.  His  whole  soul 
was  evidently  in  this  work.  For,  the  mere  outlines  of  his 
movements  which  are  handed  down  to  us  at  this  day,  dis- 
play an  amount  of  labour  which  must  have  nearly  occupied 
all  that  portion  of  leisure  time  which,  in  ordinary  cases,  is 
given  to  childish  amusement.  Oh  !  is  not  this  the  conse- 
quence of  the  Holy  Spirit's  operations,  who  was  then  trans- 

c 


18  MEMOIR  OP  THE 

forming  his  nature,  and  preparing  him  for  extensive  use- 
fulness, and  for  heaven  ? 

Our  parent  closed  his  mercantile  concerns,  and  we  find 
my  brother,  December  13th,  1802,  entering  the  store  of 
Marchal  Jenkins  &  Son,  in  the  capacity  of  clerk.  The 
circumstance  of  his  receiving  for  these  services,  his  board 
and  two  dollars  per  month,  shows  in  what  light  he  was  esti- 
mated by  his  employers,  both  as  to  character  and  ability, 
he  being  at  that  time  about  13  years  of  age.  He  continued 
in  this,  and  a  similar  employ,  for  a  number  of  years,  giving, 
as  far  as  we  know  and  believe,  general  satisfaction,  and  his 
compensation  increased  to  fifteen  dollars  per  month. 

Under  the  date  of  February,  1805, 1  find  "  Extracts  from 
a  letter,"  &c.  giving  "  Directions  in  what  manner  to  spend 
our  time  with  a  view  to  God's  glory,  and  becoming  a  sincere 
Christian."     It  thus  proceeds — 

"  The  directions  you  will  expect  from  me  on  this  occa- 
sion, naturally  divide  themselves  into  three  heads.  How 
we  are  to  regard  God — in  the  beginning — the  progress — 
and  the  close  of  the  day.  1st.  In  the  beginning  of  the 
day  :  It  should  certainly  be  our  care  to  lift  up  our  hearts  to 
God,  as  soon  as  we  wake,  and  while  we  are  rising ;  and 
then,  to  sit  ourselves  seriously  and  immediately  to  the  secret 
devotion  of  the  morning."  He  enlarges  to  considerable 
length  on  this  head,  and  the  work  is  not  finished.  The 
above  is  written  on  paper  folded  so  small,  as  evidently 
designed  to  be  carried  in  his  pocket.  Thus  we  have  to 
rejoice  that  his  attention  is  still  directed  to  the  salvation  of 
his  soul,  in  a  manner  peculiarly  interesting. 

From  the  above  mentioned  period,  to  1807,  a  space  ot 
near  two  years,  there  is  a  chasm  in  his  history ;  nothing  is 
left  as  a  guide  to  our  inquiries.  Early  in  1807,  however, 
he  is  displayed  to  us  under  those  pecuhar  circumstances  of 
mental  vigor  and  acquirement,  which  make  it  evident  that 
he  was  not  idle.    Besides  attending  to  the  active  duties  of 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  1'9 

his  station,  he  must  have  laboured  with  unwearied  devotion 
in  the  acquisition  of  knowledge. 

In  April,  1807,  we  find  him  ardently  engaged  in  a  Juve- 
nile Debating  Society.  We  have  his  answers  in  full  to  a 
variety  of  questions  in  connexion  with  morals,  science,  &c. 
In  these,  and  the  writings  of  this  year,  he  displays  a  clear- 
ness of  perception,  a  soundness  of  judgment,  an  acquaint- 
ance with  science  and  history,  not  to  be  looked  for  in  a 
youth  of  17  or  18  years,  whose  chief  time  must  have  been 
necessarily  given  to  the  hurry  and  bustle  of  a  mercantile 
life.  His  Christian  principles  and  feelings,  although  not 
so  prominent  in  these  writings,  yet  they  are  not  lost  sight 
of.  In  his  arguments  in  favour  of  civilization,  he  assigns 
to  the  truths  of  the  Christian  religion,  the  entire  agency  of 
turning  the  balance  of  happiness  against  the  savage,  and  in 
favour  of  the  civilized  state.  He  also  observes  on  this 
subject — "  We  see  the  savage  wandering  in  the  mazes  of 
error,  as  to  that  essential  point  of  happiness,  religion.  How 
much  real  happiness  do  we  experience  from  the  knowledge 
of  the  Christian  religion  !  Upon  this  depends  all  our  true 
enjoyment:  this  is  the  firm  bond  which  connects  man 
to  man  by  the  indissoluble  cords  of  love  and  friendship :  it 
teaches  us  to  restrain  our  passions  and  evil  propensities, 
and  to  pursue  that  course  of  conduct  which  is  the  most 
beneficial  to  our  welfare  and  happiness  here,  at  the  same 
time  that  it  holds  out  to  our  view  the  comforting  assurance 
of  a  blessed  immortality  in  a  future  state.  It  dispels  the 
clouds  of  darkness  and  error  with  which  the  mind  was 
before  enveloped,  and  causes  that  light  and  joy  to  break 
in  upon  our  souls,  which  enables  us  to  rejoice  under  the 
most  severe  trials,  and  turns  our  darkest  prospects  into 
means  of  good." 

In  order  to  give  some  view  of  his  political  feelings  at 
that  period,  we  notice  one  of  the  subjects  which  was  argued 
before    his    society — On  the  utility  of  a  war  with  Great 


20  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Britain.  After  this  he  examines  the  subject  more  accts- 
rately,  and  writes  a  dissertation  of  considerable  length, 
which  was  published  December  29th,  1807,  in  the  Balance, 
a  paper  published  in  Hudson,  by  Harry  Croswell,  Esq. 
His  object  is  to  show  the  inexpediency  of  engaging  in  a 
war  at  that  time,  from  the  unpreparedness  of  the  nation. 
But  we  will  permit  him  to  speak  for  himself;  "  Let  those 
who  say  this  is  a  favourable  season  for  America  to  go  to 
war  with  Great  Britain,  bring  home  their  wandering  eyes 
from  the  bloody  fields  of  Europe,^and  fix  them  on  the  situa- 
tion of  their  own  country.  Look  at  our  harbours,  at  our 
shipping,  at  the  dreadful  situation  of  our  frontier  inhabi- 
tants, surrounded  by  cruel  and  bloody  savages;  examine 
the  situation  of  America  throughout,  and  compare  it  with 
its  probable  situation  after  a  few  years'  war !  and  let  such 
restrain  their  ardour,  at  least  until  we  are  placed  in  some 
situation  to  defend  ourselves. 

"  Notwithstanding  all  the  evils  ready  to  fall  upon  them ; 
notwithstanding  the  fearful  odds  we  have  to  encounter,  th® 
citizens  of  the  United  States,  animated  by  that  spirit  which 
led  their  forefathers  to  assert  their  rights  and  claim  inde- 
pendence, evince  by  their  zeal  and  patriotism,  that  they 
are  prepared  to  encounter  all,  and  to  hazard  all,  rather 
than  submit  to  aggression.  And  though  death  has  deprived 
us  of  the  wisdom  and  bravery  of  a  Washington  1  and  though 
an  untimely  grave  holds  the  remains  of  a  departed  Hamil- 
ton, and  many  other  heroes  of  the  Revolution !  Liberty  can 
still  find  heroes  to  lead  her  sons  to  victory  or  death." 

He  also  wrote  an  obituary  notice  of  the  death  of  one  of 
his  associates,  Daniel  Bingham,  jr.,  a  part  of  which  was 
published  in  the  Balance.  In  this  his  imagination  takes 
some  lofty  flights  indeed.  We  wish,  however,  to  present 
some  few  extracts,  as  additional  testimony  to  his  religious 
views  and  feelings.  Speaking  of  death  in  connexion  with 
his  fellow,  he  observes — "  Terrific  death — terrific  ! — nat  t© 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  21 

thee — ^while  with  an  eye  of  faith  that  pierced  the  dark  and 
shadowy  valley,  the  glories  of  immortal  blessedness  were 
seen :  delightful  orisons  to  the  Almighty  employed  the 
fleeting  moment ;  and  thy  latest  breath  ascended  like  sweet 
incense  to  '  God's  holy  throne,'  loaded  with  prayer  and 
praise.  If,  in  its  passage  through  the  trackless  ether,  thy 
happy  spirit  cast  one  '  lingering  look  behind,'  (the  hope  of 
Christianity  bids  us  say,)  it  but  mourned  the  lot  of  those, 
who,  still  allied  to  terrestrial  objects,  were  unaccompanied 
by  heavenly  ministers,  and  detached  from  angelic  bliss.'* 
"He  with  benignant  pity  views  our  sorrows,  and  pointing 
to  the  beauteous  daughter  of  divinity,  bids  us  with  resig- 
nation yield  him  up,  and  in  religion  find  that  solace  which 
the  prospect  of  true  happiness  affords, — with  hope  look 
forward  to  the  time  when  the  consummation  of  virtue  shall 
wipe  away  all  tears,  and  the  name  of  sorrow  be  lost  in 
boundless  and  eternal  bliss." 

In  comparing  the  attractions  of  nature  with  those  of  virtue 
and  religion,  he  adds: — "Sublimely  beautiful  the  appear- 
ance of  the  heavens  !  '  orderly  is  nature  in  her  course  !'  and 
wonderful  the  structure  of  the  earth ! — More  vast !  more 
beautiful !  far  more  transcendently  glorious  is  true  virtue  in 
its  operations  and  effects ;  more  valuable  than  the  '  gold  of 
Ophir,'  is  religion ;  and  more  to  be  prized  than  the  plau- 
dits  of  mercenary  millions  is  the  testimony  of  an  approving 
conscience." 

"View  the  dying  Christian,  cheerful  and  serenely  happy 
he  yields  his  breath,  and  in  his  Saviour's  arms  his  soul 
reposes  in  the  sure  hope  of  glorious  immortality." 

The  date  of  the  above  is  1807,  my  brother  being  18 
years  of  age. 

I  have  also  before  me  a  part  of  a  manuscript  "  Poem  on 
the  agony  of  Jesus  in  the  Garden."  This  has  no  date,  but 
from  the  hand  writing,  it  was  probably  written  about  this 
time,  if  not  before.    Thus  a  view,  merely  of  the  subjects 

c2 


22  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

which  occupied  his  attention,  and  excited  his  inventive 
powers,  gives  us  the  cheering  hope  that  his  aspirations 
were  after  holiness  and  God. 

His  affectionate  disposition  was  truly  displayed  in  his 
conduct  towards  me.  Though  he  was  nearly  five  years 
older  than  myself,  yet  our  hearts  were  so  united  that  I 
remember,  before  I  knew  the  true  import  of  prayer,  of  pray- 
ing that  I  might  die  first;  under  the  impression  that  I 
could  not  endure  the  pang  of  being  left  in  this  world 
without  him;  and  these  feelings  of  brotherly  affection 
were,  I  believe,  reciprocal.  Of  an  evening  we  would  meet 
at  his  store,  and  at  our  separation  for  the  night,  for  we  • 
boarded  at  different  houses,  we  would  kiss  each  other. 
These  feelings  and  his  anxious  solicitude  for  my  welfare, 
are  fully  unfolded  in  the  manuscript  which  next  invites 
our  attention.  It  is  a  letter  from  himself  to  me,  and  occu- 
pies two  large  sheets  of  paper.  I  cannot  refrain  from 
making  a  number  of  extracts,  especially  as  it  not  only 
unfolds  his  own  character,  but  appears  so  well  adapted  to 
general  usefulness  among  the  youth. 

"  Hudson,  April  11th,  1808. 
"  Dear  and  only  Brother, — 

"  Bound  to  you  by  the  strong  cords  of  affection,  as  well 
as  by  the  ties  of  nature,  it  is  natural  that  I  should  feel  a 
lively  interest  in  whatever  concerns  your  happiness.  Born 
of  the  same  parents,  nurtured  in  our  early  years  by  the 
same  fostering  hand,  experiencing  the  same  causes  of  joy 
and  sorrow,  the  union  of  heart  between  us  should  be  pure 
and  lasting,  our  solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  each  other 
should  equal  the  solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  ourselves :  a 
spirit  of  mutual  fraternal  love  should  guide  our  conduct,  and 
call  forth  our  prompt  endeavours.  Such  a  spirit,  I  hope, 
now  directs  my  efforts  and  guides  my  pen  to  the  aiming  at 
the  promotion  of  your  good.  When  thinking  of  you,  enter- 
ing as  you  are,  upon  the  great  theatre  of  action,  stepping 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  23 

forth  upon  that  course  which  will  terminate  in  happiness 
or  misery,  anxiety  awakens  within  me ;  fearful  apprehen- 
sions arise,  lest  you  should  mistake  the  means  of  obtaining 
true  happiness  and  become  lost  in  the  gulf  of  error  and 
vice.  You  have  a  character  to  form ;  the  foundation  of  a 
reputation  to  continue  through  life,  is  now  to  be  laid ;  this 
is  your  golden  opportunity,  this  is  your  time  to  establish 
such  a  good  foundation  as  shall  prove  stable  and  lasting,  to 
acquire  such  habits  as  in  the  ingenuousness  of  virtue  shall 

not  make  you  ashamed." "  Let  me  first  intreat  you 

to  pay  the  strictest  attention  to  religion.  Religion  is  the 
foundation  of  all  true  happiness :  from"  this  "  fountain 
flows  the  streams  of  pure  and  lasting  felicity ;  of  that 
felicity  which  shall  continue  throughout  eternal  duration. 
In  following  the  dictates  of  true  religion,  (which  are  the 
dictates  of  Almighty  God,)  you  will  enjoy  peace  of  mind, 
comfort  under  every  trial,  support  under  every  afliiction, 
and  when  death  shall  remove  you  from  this  sublunary 
world,  an  admission  to  the  regions  of  everlasting  life,  where 
happiness  will  be  unmixed.  You  were  created  by  a  Being 
who  is  pure,  wise,  holy,  just  and  good — above,  far  above  all 
mortals ;  a  Being  who  dwelleth  in  the  heavens,  and  from 
thence  looks  down  upon  you,  and  takes  notice  of  every 

thought,  word  and  action." "If  you  behave  well,  if  you 

obey  his  commandments,  and  act  as  a  Christian  ought, 
loving  and  fearing  him,  he  is  satisfied  with  your  conduct, 
he  then  regards  you  with  smiles  of  pleasure,  and  will  sup- 
port and  comfort  you  in  need,  will  cheer  you  under  all 
trials,  and  look  upon  you  as  a  son.  But  if,  on  the  the  con- 
trary, you  do  not  behave  well,  if  you  disobey  his  com- 
mandments, if  you  disregard  his  Sabbaths,  and  neglect  your 
duty,  he  will  be  displeased  with  you,  he  will  withdraw  his 
approving  smiles,  and  regard  you  with  frowns  of  anger; 
then,  if  in  affliction,  where  will  you  look  for  support ;  if  in 
death,  where  will  you  look  for  comfort,  hope  and  salvation? — 


24  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

that  God  whom  you  have  offended,  standing  ready  to  judge 
you  and  demand  an  answer  for  your  sins.  Do  not  think 
that  you  are  too  young  to  die :  death  bears  down  all  ages 
and  conditions :  you  daily  see  the  young  carried  to  the  grave, 

and  who  knows  but  you  may  follow  next  ?" "  Let  me 

intreat  you  then  to  be  prepared :  prepare  for  the  solemn 
moment,  let  it  come  when  it  will.  Behave  well,  conduct 
yourself  as  a  Christian,  and  you  may  welcome  your  final 
hour  as  one  that  will  lead  you  to  happiness  :  you  may  smile 
at  the  grim  tyrant's  approach,  and  yielding  up  your  breath, 
sweetly  sleep  in  the  arms  of  Jesus  and  your  God." 

"  That  you  may  be  assisted  to  do  right,  never  forget  your 
prayers.  Before  closing  your  eyes  at  night,  pray  to  the 
Most  High  to  protect  you,  to  watch  over  and  assist  you : 
and  in  the  morning  return  thanks  for  the  preservation  and 
blessings  you  enjoy  ;  pray  for  a  continuance  of  them ;  pray 
for  Divine  assistance  that  you  may  be  enabled  to  walk  in 

the  right  way." "  Be  attentive  in  your  prayers.     Do  not 

think  that  it  is  of  no  consequence  whether  or  not  you  pay 
attention  to  what  you  are  doing  and  saying ;  but  recollect 
that  you  are  addressing  an  infinite,  an  all-holy  Being,  the 
Creator  and  Governor  of  the  universe  :  recollect,  also,  that 
he  hears  what  you  are  saying,  and  sees  in  what  manner  you 
pray  :  be,  therefore,  serious  and  devout ;  think  only  of  the 
Being  before  whom  you  are,  and  of  the  petitions  and  praises 

you  are  offering  unto  him." "  Remember  the  Sabbath 

day  to  keep  it  holy.  Attend  meeting  regularly  and  be 
orderly  in  your  behaviour  while  there.  Pay  attention  to 
what  the  minister  is  saying,  and  endeavour  to  collect  good 
advice  from  it ;  when  he  prays,  pray  secretly  with  him  for 
the  blessing  of  the  God  you  worship." 

"  You  should  never  let  the  Sunday  pass  without  reading 
in  the  Bible ;  do  not  be  content  with  reading  only  one  or 
two  chapters,  but  read  several.  It  would  be  useful  for  you 
to  begin  the  Bible  and  go  through  with  it  in  rotation,  pay- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  25 

ing  attention  as  you  go  along.  You  should  also  pay  atten- 
tion to  your  Catechism." "It  is  improper  for  you  to 

read  story  books  and  such  like  on  Sunday,  as  they  are  un- 
fitting for  the  day,  and  prepare  the  mind  rather  for  levity 
and  play,  than  cheerful  seriousness ;  I  say  cheerful  serious- 
ness, for  religion  does  not  render  a  person  gloomy  and 

melancholy,  but  cheerful  and  comparatively  happy." 

"  Attend  your  school  regularly,  endeavour  to  improve  in 
your  studies,  now  is  the  time  for  you  to  lay  in  a  store  of 
knowledge  that  shall  be  useful  in  your  future  years  :  if  you 
mispend  your  time  now,  you  will  then  regret  your  folly." 
"  Avoid  Sad  companions." "  By  leaving  the  com- 
pany of  bad  boys  you  will  have  much  time  to  improve  to 

advantage." "  By   paying   proper   attention   to   useful 

books,  you  will  gain  much  knowledge  and  satisfaction :  your 
mind  will  be  enlarged  and  improved ;  you  will  learn  the 
history  of  the  world  from  the  creation  :  following  the  pen 
of  the  historian  through  successive  ages,  you  will  become 
acquainted  with  the  men  and  manners  of  ancient  and 
modern  times ;  yon  will  tracfi  the  rise  anri  fall  of  nations, 
the  revolutions  of  empires ;  the  finger  of  Providence  will 

be  contemplated,  ordering  and  directing  throughout." 

"  You  will  also  be  able  to  see  the  superiority  of  virtue,  and 
the  downfall  of  vice.  Such,  my  dear  brother,"  "  are  the 
advantages  to  be  derived  from  reading." 

"  Be  gentle  in  your  manners  and  temper  towards  others." 
Evil  tempers  "  are  like  the  canker  worm,  destroying  all 
peace  and  contentment,  not  only  in  yourself,  but  in  those 
around  you." 

"  Your  surviving  parent  feels  anxious  for  you.  He 
regards  your  welfare  and  your  conduct  with  a  parent's  eye, 
and  if  you  do  well,  you  will  give  him  pleasure,  but  if  you 
do  ill  you  will  give  him  pain." — "  That  dear  parent  whom 
an  all-wise  God  has  thought  proper  to  deprive  you  of — that 
sainted  mother,  o'er  whose  earthly  tomb  seven  revolving 


26  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

suns  have  shed  their  beams :  that  mother  looks  down  upon 
you,  she  beholds  your  conduct,  and  (if  an  anxious  thought 
ever  crosses  the  bosoms  of  the  blessed,)  she  regards  you 
with  an  anxious  eye,  she  smiles  upon  you  when  you  travel 
the  right  path  and  behave  well.  My  brother,  have  you 
forgotten  her?  No,  may  we  never  forget  her,  may  her  pre- 
cepts be  engraven  on  our  hearts  in  indelible  characters, 
may  the  remembrance  of  her  example  cheer  us  on  our 
way,  may  it  animate  us  in  embracing  the  cause  of  virtue — 
may  it  animate  us" — "  in  the  hour  of  death  ;  and  may  we 
at  last  join  our  parents  in  the  realms  of  joy,  never  more  to 
be  separated.  Do  not  disappoint  me — I  hunibly  expect  and 
hope  by  the  grace  of  God,  to  meet  you  there — our  mother 
expects  us  there — there  may  we  all  meet." 

"  Such  advice  as  I  have  attempted  to  give  you,  I  trust 
would  have  been  my  mother's,  had  she  been  alive.  She 
taught  us  to  respect  religion — she  taught  us  to  say  our 
prayers — she  taught  us  to  respect  the  Sabbath,  to  read  our 
Bibles,  to  say  our  Catechism.     Our  honoured  father  also 

taught  us." — "  Duty  to  pnrpnfs!  is  nnp.  of  the  highfifst  we  can 

exercise ;  many  nations  have  punished  with  death  the  per- 
sons who  were  disrespectful  to  their  parents.  Our  father, 
not  only  from  the  relation  in  which  he  stands  to  us,  but 
also  from  the  pains  he  has  taken  with  and  for  us;  the  nur- 
turing hand  with  which  he  has  trained  us  up,  deserves  our 
affectionate  regard,  our  dutiful  respect :  pay  to  him,  my 
brother,  the  respect  you  owe ;  obey  him,  be  careful  not  to 
give  him  uneasiness,  but  contribute  as  much  as  in  you  lies 
to  his  happiness  and  satisfaction." 

"  Virtue  carries  with  it  a  reward,  which,  though  only  an 
earnest  of  a  greater  one  still  to  come,  is  nevertheless  highly 
valuable.  When  a  person  behaves  well,  he  obtains  not 
only  the  approbation  of  his  Maker  and  his  own  conscience, 
but  also  of  the  world.  Envy  may  detract,  and  malice  may 
injure,  but  the  good  will  behold  virtue  with  delight :  if  in 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  27 

a  young  man  they  will  encourage  and  assist  him,  they  will 
employ  him  and  enable  him  to  enjoy  worldly  favour  and 
prosperity."  "  By  behaving  well,  you  will  always  possess 
that  assistance  and  support  which  the  world  cannot  bestow ; 
your  Maker  will  support  you." — "  Should  you  be  spared,  the 
testimony  of  a  good  conscience  will  accompany  you  to  its 
latest  evening ;  and  when  your  head  is  silvered  o'er  with 
age,  the  retrospect  of  a  well-spent  life  will  afford  you  joy 
and  delight — in  the  hour  of  death,  and  in  the  bliss  of 
eternity,  your  good  deeds  will  then  rise  up  in  remembrance, 
and  add  new  blessings  and  supports." 

"  Do  not  regard  this  as  unworthy  of  particular  attention  ; 
I  have  wriiten  it  with  a  view  to  your  good,  hoping  that  you 
will  peruse  it  often,  and  attentively  follow  the  advice  it 
contains;  by  so  doing  you  will  promote  your  welfare,  both 
here  and  hereafter. 

Your  ever  affectionate  brother, 

BENJAMIN  ALLEN,  Jl-. 

''Thomas  G.  Allen." 

It  should  be  remembered  that  when  this  was  written, 
my  brother  was  between  18  and  19,  and  I  was  between  13 
and  14  years.  The  foregoing  epistle  I  carefully  preserved, 
and  from  its  being  so  much  used,  I  presume  I  perused  it 
often.  For  some  years  it  was  my  only  visible  guide  ,•  and 
I  now  have  reason  to  believe,  that,  by  the  blessing  of  God, 
it  was  made  the  instrument  of  great  good  to  my  soul.  No 
other  apology,  1  trust,  is  necessary  for  making  so  long 
an  extract. 

We  have  thus  brought  down  my  brother's  history  through 
a  most  interesting  period ;  a  period  in  which  the  foundation 
of  mental  vigor  and  holiness  of  heart,  was  carefully  and 
firmly  laid.  And  as  at  this  period  every  movement  of  the 
mind  and  soul  is  important,  I  hope  no  objection  will  be 
made  to  the  numerous  references  to  his  manuscripts. 


CHAPTER  11. 

HIS  REMOVAL  FROM  HUDSON — HIS  RESIDENCE  IN  BERLIN, 
AND  HIS  CORRESPONDENCE. 

From  the  date  of  my  brother's  last  letter  to  me,  April  8th, 
1808,  until  September  5th,  1809,  I  again  find  myself  left 
with  a  very  imperfect  guide  as  to  his  movements.  At  the 
last  mentioned  period  he  commenced  a  correspondence  with 
me,  which  was  continued  till  his  death.  At  that  time  he 
was  residing  in  the  county  of  Berlin,  twelve  miles  from 
Albany,  and  had  charge  of  the  store  which  was  connected 
with  the  Rensselaer  Glass  Factory.  He  removed  to  that 
place  within  the  period  above  specified. 

Previous  to  his  removal  to  Berlin,  he  spent  some  time  in 
Lansingburg,  and  pursued  his  studies  under  the  direction  of 
the  late  Rev.  Samuel  Blatchford,  D.  D.  The  object  of  his 
removal  to  Berlin,  and  taking  charge  of  the  store,  was,  that 
he  might  cover  his  expenses,  at  the  same  time  he  was  occu- 
pied in  his  favourite  pursuit,  to  qualify  himself  for  the 
ministry  of  the  gospel.  His  mind,  no  doubt,  was  early 
exercised  on  this  subject:  and  in  1809,  an  afflictive  provi- 
dence was  displayed  in  connexion  with  our  family,  which, 
I  believe,  constrained  him  to  devote  himself  more  entirely 
to  the  cause  of  the  blessed  Redeemer. 

On  the  24th  of  August,  Dr.  John  M.  Mann,  who  mar- 
ried our  mother's  only  sister,  was  drowned  in  crossing  the 
Hudson  River.  He  was  passing  from  Hudson  to  Athens, 
to  attend  a  patient,  and  by  the  turning  of  the  ferry  boat,  he 
was  knocked  over  by  the  boom.    He  continued  above  water 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  29 

some  time,  but  before  the  boat  was  turned  round  to  his 
assistance,  (the  ferryman  being  under  the  influence  of 
spirits,)  his  body  was  so  exhausted,  that  he  sunk  to  rise  no 
more  in  this  life.  This  event,  so  sudden,  and  so  afflictive 
to  society,  to  the  church,  and  especially  to  his  wife  and  five 
helpless  children,  who  were  thus,  in  a  moment,  deprived 
of  their  only  earthly  protector  and  support,  produced  a 
powerful  sympathy  throughout  the  city  of  Hudson.  And 
I  believe  it  was  so  sanctified  to  the  soul  of  my  brother,  as 
to  direct  the  current  of  his  affections  more  immediately 
towards  Godj^and  holiness,  and  induce  him  to  take  a  more 
decided  stand  in  reference  to  the  ministry. 

Dr.  Mann  had  recently  united  himself  to  the  church,  and 
was  considered  as  born  anew  in  Christ  Jesus.  When  his 
body  was  found,  an  unfinished  prayer  was  discovered  in  his 
pocket,  which  was  designed  to  be  used  in  connexion  with 
others,  perhaps  with  his  family.  Thus  we  hare  reason  to 
rejoice  in  the  hope,  that  his  death,  though  unexpected,  yet 
to  him  was  infinite  gain.  This  providence  is  repeatedly 
referred  to  by  my  brother.  He  points  to  it  as  the  means  of 
good  to  his  soul.  In  his  letter  to  me,  dated  September  10th, 
1809,  he  writes,  "  Indeed,  our  greatest  blessings  often 
appear  in  a  questionable  shape.  Even  the  death  of  our 
uncle  Mann,  though  very  painful  and  afflicting  to  us  all, 
may  be  made  the  means  of  great  benefit.  It  may  cause 
aunt  to  be  more  resigned  to  the  will  of  heaven,  more  in  a 
state  of  preparation  for  death.  It  may  cause  our  cousins 
to  pay  more  attention  to  religion,  to  become  truly  pious. 
I  have  some  reason  to  believe,  my  dear  brother,  that  it  has 
been  made  the  means  of  benefit  to  me ;  and  I  hope,  I  sin- 
cerely hope  and  pray,  that  it  may  have  a  good  effect  upon 
you,  that  it  may  make  you  more  attentive  to  religion  than 
you  have  been,  that  it  may  make  you  read  your  Bible  more 
frequently  and  regularly,  may  cause  you  to  attend  more 

p 


30  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

strictly  to  the  Sabbath ;  to  attend  meetings  more  regularly, 
and  be  more  attentive  while  you  are  there." 

On  another  occasion  he  writes,  "  If  it  should  ever  be  the 
Avill  of  Providence,  my  dear  brother,  that  I  should  be  wit- 
ness to  your  death,  may  it  afford  me  as  much  consolation 
as  your  uncle's  has ;  viz.  to  see  you  die  the  death  of  a 
Christian,  and  beloved  and  lamented  by  all  who  knew  you." 
He  again  and  again  directs  my  attention  to  our  dear 
Mother  and  Uncle,  as  united  in  the  enjoyments  of  the  bliss 
of  heaven :  he  urges  me  to  prepare,  and  expresses  his  own 
ardent  desires  of  meeting,  and  uniting  with  them  in  eternal 
praise. 

In  connexion  with  this  subject,  aunt  Mann  writes  to  me 
as  follows  : — "At  the  time  of  my  greatest  affliction,  your 
brother's  anxiety  and  tenderness  forme,  made  an  impression 
upon  my  heart,  which  has  never  been  effaced.  I  think 
this  was  about  the  time  he  was  brought  into  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom ;  and  his  views  of  the  happiness  of  heaven,  and 
the  glories  prepared  for  all  who  died  in  faith,  exceeded 
every  thing  I  at  that  time  had  witnessed.  I  recollect  one 
letter  he  wrote  to  me,  which  evinced  that  he  had  received 
as  much  of  the  Holy  Spirit  as  is  possible  for  us  poor  mortals 
to  beai-.  He  said  he  was  walking  on  the  banks  of  the 
Hudson  River,  meditating  on  the  happiness  of  those  who 
had  already  arrived  at  heaven:  he  was  so  much  carried 
above  the  world,  he  imagined  he  could  hear  the  voices  of 
the  redeemed  around  the  throne  of  God.  This  was  soon 
after  the  death  of  your  beloved  uncle,  and  no  doubt  but 
the  remembrance  of  him  and  your  beloved  mother,  led  his 
thoughts  to  these  reflections." 

My  brother  continued  in  Berlin  about  a  year.  While 
there,  he  devoted  much  of  his  time  to  his  favourite  studies. 
He  placed  himself,  in  some  degree,  under  the  direction  of 
the  clergyman  at  Sand  Lake.  He  would  walk  to  that  place 
from  his  store  to  be  examined.     He  boarded  in  the  family 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  31 

of  Major  Frothingham  at  least  one  year.  "  His  mind  was 
so  completely  abstracted  from  business  by  his  theological 
studies,"  that  it  was  thought  advisable  for  him  not  to  con- 
tinue in  the  store.  In  fact,  his  whole  soul  was  so  absorbed 
in  preparation  for  the  active  service  of  his  Heavenly  Master, 
"that  he  could  not  be  reconciled  to  a  mercantile  life.  He 
gave  up  his  worldly  prospects  in  this  place,  with  a  deter- 
mination to  prepare  himself  for  the  ministry.  He  had  no 
property,  but  trusted  there  would  be  some  way  provided  for 
him  to  accomplish"  an  object  "  so  much  desired." 

In  the  midst  of  his  numerous  engagements,  he  did  not 
forget  his  only  brother  from  whom  he  was  separated,  but, 
as  is  evident  from  his  correspondence,  he  continually 
watched  over  me,  with  all  the  anxious  solicitude,  and  all 
the  tenderness  and  affection  of  a  parent.  He  carefully 
noticed  the  gradual  unfoldings  of  my  mind  and  heart,  and 
led  me  on  step  by  step,  until  I  was  enabled  to  have  my 
name  enrolled  among  the  people  of  God.  And  this  exer- 
cise was  not  only  beneficial  to  myself,  but  it  no  doubt  was 
the  means  of  much  benefit  to  his  own  soul,  in  enabling  him 
to  bring  himself  more  completely  under  the  discipline  of 
the  Gospel. 

The  following  extracts  from  his  correspondence  with  me, 
not  only  display  his  talent  in  accommodating  his  admoni- 
tions to  a  younger  capacity,  but  they  also  show  that  his 
treasure  and  heart  were  beyond  the  grave. 

In  his  affectionate  counsel,  he  keeps  prominently  in  view 
the  improvement  of  my  time,  talents,  and  opportunities  ; 
avoiding  bad  company, — reading  the  Bible, — keeping  the 
Sabbath, — attending  the  Sanctuary, — private  prayer,  and 
preparation  for  death.  September  10th,  1809,  he  writes — 
"  Placed  at  a  distance  from  you,  it  only  remains  for  me  to 
converse  with  you  by  letter,  or  the  language  of  others. 
This  scarcely  comports  with  the  extreme  solicitude  I  feel 
for  your  welfare ;  but  it  may  be  for  the  good  of  us  both. 


32  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

We  are  in  the  hands  of  Him  who  can  do  with  us  as  he 
pleases,  and  can  bring  us  good  from  any  situation  or  cir- 
cumstances he  sees  fit." — "  Be  careful,  my  brother ;  avoid 
bad  company.  Avoid  those  who  would  corrupt  and  lead 
you  astray,  more  than  you  would  deadly  poison.  If  they 
attempt  to  laugh  at  you,  and  draw  you  with  them,  let  them 
alone,  pity  them,  go  on  and  do  right  yourself,  and  then  all 
who  are  good,  will  respect  and  love  you ;  you  will  feel 
better  satisfied  with  yourself,  your  own  heart  will  tell  you 
you  have  done  right,  and  when  you  grow  older,  you  can 
look  back  on  past  days  without  that  regret  and  pain  that 
you  would  otherwise  feel.  Let  me  ask  you  one  serious 
question;  ask  yourself  the  same;  you  know  what  death  is, 
and  what  is  the  consequence  :  Suppose  you  had  been  placed 
in  the  situation  of  uncle  Mann,  would  you  have  been  pre- 
pared to  die? — Prepare  yourself,  I  entreat  you,  for  awful 
indeed  are  the  consequences,  if  you  are  not  prepared." 

"  Whenever  you  are  at  a  loss  for  company,  rather  than 
go  with  those  who  will  injure  you,  retire  to  your  books, 
improve  yourself  in  solid  knowledge.  At  suitable  times  go 
to  your  aunt  Mann's  and  other  proper  places,  or  walk  alone, 
or  with  your  father.  You  will  but  do  as  your  brother  has  done 
in  part  before  you,  that  is,  when  he  has  done  as  he  ought 
to  have  done,  and  when  he  has  not,  he  has  repented  of  it, 
you  may  depend  upon  it.  You  now  possess  uncommon 
advantages.  You  have  a  parent  with  you  who  will  assist 
you  by  his  counsel,  and  will  do  for  you  as  he  thinks  best  for 
your  good.  I  need  not  tell  you  to  respect  him,  Thomas; — 
you  will — you  do — undoubtedly.  You  have  valuable  friends 
— you  have  the  Gospel  preached  to  you — you  have  access 
to  the  Bible,  in  which,  my  dear  brother,  I  now  request  you 
to  read  one  chapter  every  day.  The  same  I  have  requested 
of  your  cousin  Milton,  and  as  you  are  my  brother,  I  will 
request  you  to  read  two  verses  more  ;  and  in  reading  them, 
think  of  your  affectionate  brother  at  Rensselaer — Benjamin 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  33 

Allen,  jr.,  who  can  only  advise  you  at  a  distance, "and  pray 
for  you,  which  he  does  sincerely,  often,  and  fervently. — 
Write,  I  am  anxious  to  hear  from  you." 

Ao-ain —  "  September  5th. 

"  It  appears  almost  needless  for  me  to  request  you  to 
conduct  yourself  aright ;  you  must  be  yourself  sensible  of 
the  necessity  of  it  to  your  happiness,  and  the  satisfaction 
of  others.  You  know,  that  unless  you  do  well,  you  cannot 
obtain  the  lasting  esteem  of  the  wise  and  good  ;  and  without 
improving  your  mind  you  cannot  be  so  useful  in  the  world, 
nor  be  so  much  respected.  Be  attentive,  therefore,  my  dear 
brother,  to  your  books ;  be  attentive  to  the  good  advice  of 
your  friends ;  read  your  Bible  ;  attend  strictly  on  the  Sab- 
bath, shun  bad  company  as  you  would  poison,  or  it  will 
ruin  you ;  read  the  letter  I  wrote  you  some  time  ago  at 
home, — farewell." 

September  15th,  he  writes, — "  Dear  Brother :  Don't  be 
discouraged" — "  I  hope  yet,  by  your  endeavours  to  improve 
yourself,  to  see  you  a  useful  citizen,  and  a  good  Christian. 
With  what  a  pleasing  pride  shall  I  behold  my  brother  rising 
to  respectability,"  and  displaying  "  a  good  example  to 
others,  by  his  moral  and  religious  conduct.  Obey  the  dic- 
tates of  religion — of  your  Bible,  my  brother — it  is  the  only 
means  of  securing  happiness.  What  else  supports  your 
aunt  Mann  ? — Now  is  your  precious  time ;  lay  a  good  foun- 
dation of  virtue  and  solid  knowledge,  and,  if  life  continues, 
the  latter  years  of  your  parent  may  be  solaced" — "  while 
society  will  do  you  honour,  and  a  glorious  r^eward  await 
you  at  the  end  of  your  course.  My  prayers  you  constantly 
have.  Your  affectionate  brother." 

D  2 


34  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  September  26th. 
"  Dear  Brother, — 

"  Did  you  know  how  much  pleasure  the  prospect  of  your 
improvement  affords  me,  I  believe  you  would  exert  yourself 
more  and  more,  scarcely  suffering  an  idle  moment.  Hus- 
band your  time — I  beg  of  you  use  it  well;  not  only  will 
you  be  better  in  consequence,  b-ut  a  strict  account  u-Ul 
he  required.  Be  with  your  aunt  and  cousins  as  much  as 
you  can  ;  treat  them  affectionately  ;  treat  aunt  as  your  mother, 
she  has  been  a  mother  to  us,  and  you  will  greatly  alleviate 
the  anxiety  of  your  affectionate  brother." 

"October  22d,"  he  writes,     . 
"  Dear  Brother, — 

"  How  great  is  the  advantage  you  enjoy,  in  being  able  to 
attend  meeting  every  Sabbath,  while  here  we  are  liable  to 
be  without,  one  out  of  four.  To-day  I  suppose  there  will 
be  none.  Great  is  the  satisfaction  arising  from  a  proper 
and  orderly  attendance  upon  divine  worship.  Happy  are 
we,  my  dear  brother,  in  having  been  brought  up  in  the 
habit  of  it.  Extremely  favoured  are  we  in  having  been 
born,  and  living  in  a  country  wheic  the  Gospel  is  known 
and  preached,  and  its  inestimable  advantages  may  be 
enjoyed."  "  And  what  a  delightful  pleasure  do  they  afford. 
Let,  my  dear  Thomas,  let  others  seek  their  pleasures  else- 
where, if  they  please ;  but  do  you,  but  let  us,  ask  humbly, 
fervently,  and  piously  for  assistance,  that  we  may  be  enabled 
to  seek  the  pleasures  of  religion,  the  joys  of  true,  of  pure, 
of  everlasting  happiness.  Oh,  my  brother,  if  you  knew 
how  much  I  have  been  enabled  to  enjoy  and  to  rejoice,  bad 
and  undeserving  as  I  am,  you  would,  I  believe,  try  to  join 
me,  or  rather  you  would  take  the  Bible  for  your  counsellor, 
and  your  gracious  God  as  your  best  friend.  However,  to 
him  I  pray ;  in  his  hands  I  leave  you.     May  he  graciously 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  35 

have  mercy  on  us  both,  and  enable  us  to  meet  in  heaven." 
"  Here  I  sit  in  my  pleasant  little  room  writing  to  you, 
while  you  are  probably  at  meeting,  or  just  going,  to  enjoy 
and  improve  by  the  service  of  the  afternoon.  Well,  my 
brother,  may  you  be  enabled  to  do  well,  to  do  right.  I 
mean,  especially,  may  you  be  preserved  through  the  temp- 
tations of  youth  that  surround  you  ;  be  supported  and 
strengthened  through  life  and  in  death,  and  finally  be 
removed  to  everlasting  happiness.  "I  have  been  to  see 
a  young  man  who  is  supposed  to  be  near  his  end ;  you 
see,  my  brother,  the  young  may  die  as  well  as  the  old." 
"  Adieu,  write  often,  your  affectionate  brother." 

"  November  7th. 
"  Dear  Brother, — 

"  That  life  is  uncertain,  as  you  say  you  see.  When  we 
rise  in  the  morning,  we  know  not  that  we  shall  see  the 
evening.  Time  passes  on  with  hasty  wing,  and  stops  not 
for  us  to  prepare  ourselves.  Let  us  then  be  prepared.  Let 
us  look  to  "  God  "  for  that  assistance  which  he  will  readily, 
upon  proper  application,  afford  us.  Make  your  peace  with 
your  God,  and  you  may  truly  see  thousands  fall  on  your 
rig4it  hand  and  on  your  left,  and  you  know  no  fear.  An 
Omnipotent  Being  supports  you,  orders  all  your  lot ;  in  fact, 
he  does  that  in  every  situation,  but  when  you  are  pecu- 
liarly his,  he  has  promised  that  he  will  cause  all  things  to 
work  together  for  your  good."  "  Continue  constant  in  the 
practice  of  your  duty,  avoid  bad  company,  read  your  Bible, 
keep  the  Sabbath,  pray,  try  to  improve  yourself;  thus  will 
you  gain  the  favour  of  your  Maker,  and  the  love  of  all  good 
men." 

"  November  16th. 

"  My  Brother  :  Where  were  you  in  the  afternoon  of  Sun- 
day ?  I  hope  you  are  not  going  on  as  once,  viz.  staying  away 


36  MEMOIR  OF   THE 

from  meeting,  or  running  about  from  one  meeting-house  to 
another,  when  there  is  meeting  in  your  meeting-house  ! 
Perhaps,  however,  something  was  the  matter  ;  let  me  know. 
"Do  you  pursue  the  good  and  excellent  practice  of  read- 
ing one  or  two  chapters  in  the  Bible  every  day  ?  Hoping 
that  you  do,  and  that  you  strive  earnestly  and  constantly, 
by  every  other  laudable  means  to  improve  yourself,  I 
remain,  with  solicitude,  with  much  anxiety  for  your  welfare, 
your  affectionate  brother." 

He  also  writes —  "December  16th. 

"  Be  not  disheartened,  my  dear  brother.  You  have  our 
kind  father  with  you.  You  are  under  the  kind  care  of  a 
Heavenly  Father,  who  has  your  destiny  in  his  will,  and 
orders  all  your  lot.  Do  your  duty  in  all  things;  endeavour 
to  sustain  a  good  character ;  attend  to  the  business  of  your 
station ;  be  peaceable,  be  contented,  improve  your  mind, 
avoid  bad  company,  attend  to  the  duties  of  religion,  read 
your  Bible,  read  it  every  day.  I  entreat  you,  never  lie 
down  or  rise  up  without  prayer.  To  our  Heavenly  Father, 
I  commend  you  ;  in  his  gracious  hand  I  leave  you,  hoping, 
that,  after  oft  meeting  below,  we  may  meet  in  the  realms  of 
Heaven,  together  with  those  friends  we  have  tearfully  con- 
signed to  the  sorrowful  mansions  of  the  tomb,  never  more 
to  separate.  Farewell,  fare  you  well,  my  dear  brother. 
Adieu,  with  prayer,  sincere  prayer." 

Again —  "  January,  1810. 

"  Dear  Brother, — 

"  Shall  I  repeat  the  advice  I  have  so  often  endeavoured 
to  give  you  ?  I  hope  I  need  not."  "  Do  as  I  endeavour  to 
do  ;  strive  to  improve  yourself  by  reading  and  study."  "  Be 
a  little  ambitious,  but  let  it  be  a  laudable  ambition,  an 
ambition  to  do  iccll.  With  much  solicitude  and  sincere 
affection,  I  remain,  my  dear  brother,  yours." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  37 

"February  11th. 
"  By  our  dear  father,  I  send  you  this.  With  him,  I  have 
had  the  great  pleasure  twice  to  attend  meeting  to-day.  He 
leaves  here  to-morrow  for  Albany,  and  from  "  thence  "  for 
Hudson.  You,  my  dear  brother,  have  an  opportunity  to 
attend  meeting  with  him  every  Sabbath ;  to  me,  it  is  now 
unusual.  That  you  may  properly  appreciate  this,  and  the 
many  other  advantages  you  enjoy,  is  the  ardent  wish  of 
sincere  affection."  "  Conduct  yourself  well,  my  dear 
brother."  "  Above  all,  do  your  duty  to  your  God.  Remem- 
ber, remember  you  must  die,  and  there  is  a  futurity ;  an 
eternity  in  which  you  must  be  always  happy  or  miserable. 
What  can  you  gain  by  doing  wrong  ?  Nothing.  What 
will  you  gain  by  doing  right?  Every  thing.  Do  well, 
then,  I  entreat  you,  and  not  by  a  few  hours  of  disobedience 
to  your  Maker,  get  a  never-ending  eternity  of  pain  and 
misery.  Prepare  yourself."  "  Pray  to  your  God,  your  mer- 
ciful Heavenly  Father,  for  assistance,  and  push  resolutely 
on  in  the  path  of  virtue.  Be  not  discouraged,  never,  but 
keep  strait  forward,  and  you  need  not  fear."  "  My  heart 
yearns  with  solicitude  for  you.  I  have  been  reading  some 
of  mamma's  letters  to-day.  Oh,  she  was  an  excellent  woman. 
Remember  she  was  your  mother  ;  and  may  I  not  be  allowed 
to  say,  she  expects  us  in  heaven  ?  Do  right  then." 

"  March  2l3t. 
"  Dear  brother  :  I  think,  now,  you  must  feel  the  necessity 
of  exerting  yourself  to  obtain  something  of  an  education. 
The  time  is  short,  and  now,  more  than  ever,  I  feel  sensible 
you  will  strive  anxiously  to  improve  it."  "  Study  in  odd 
hours,  in  all  hours,  except  Sundays.  Then  read  as  you 
ought.  Go  to  meeting."  "  My  anxiety  is  extremely  great. 
Do  strive,  I  beg  of  you.     Do  well,  well,  well.     Adieu." 


39  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  June  11th,  and  September  10th. 
"  My  Dear  Brother, — 

"  I  am  so  anxious  for  your  present  and  eternal  welfare, 
that  I  have "  arisen  "  from  my  bed  to  write  a  few  lines, 
now  it  is  upon  my  mind,  to  impress  it  upon  you  to  be  seri- 
ous, and  attend  to  the  things  of  religion.  Thomas,  if  you 
get  rich,  you  cannot  be  happy  without  religion.  You  see 
how  unhappy  those  are  who  are  not  religious,  and  how 
happy  they  are  who  are  truly  religious.  Remember  our 
Uncle  and  Mamma.  Do  you  not  wish  to  meet  their  approba- 
tion ;  to  meet  them  ?  Not  only  are  they  happy  now,  but 
they  will  be  so  for  ever  ;  and  far  happier  than  "  any  "  can 
be  in  this  world."  "  Remember  your  Bible  and  your 
prayers ;  and  oh,  may  God  have  mercy  upon  you  now  and 
for  ever,  and  take  you  into  his  kind  care  and  keeping  for 
Christ,  the  dear  Redeemer's  sake,  Amen." 

"  Be  not  afraid  of  being  laughed  at ;  pity  them  if  they 
do."  "  Commending  you  to  our  Maker,  with  prayer,  1  say 
adieu,  with  a  full  heart." 

"  June  17th. 
"  My  Dear  Brother, — 

"  I  hope  you  do  not  omit  any  opportunity  of  attending 
divine  service,  nor  reading  your  Bible  every  day.  Be  in 
the  means  of  grace,  that  God,  most  merciful,  may  make  you 
happy  by  making  you  a  Christian.  Although  I  seldom 
write  to  you,  I  often  think  of  you,  and  remember  you  in  my 
prayers  to  our  kind,  Heavenly  Father." 

"  Am  closely  engaged  in  study  when  I  can."  "  Let 
resignation  and  improvement  mark  this  instance  of  bereave- 
ment, my  dear  Thomas."  (The  death  of  our  grandmother.) 
"  Do,  I  entreat  you,  let  it  make  you  prepare  for  the  same." 

"  One  young  man  was  drowned  here  on  Sunday ;  four 
boys   in  Albany.     You  know  not  how  soon  you  may  go. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  39 

Oh,  my  dear  brother,  pray  earnestly,  every  night  and  morn- 
ing, as  well  as  other  times,  that  your  kind  and  Heavenly 
Father  would  make  you  wiser  and  better.  Enter  into  his 
service  now,  and  you  will  be  happy  for  ever ;  do,  Thomas  ; 
I  entreat  it  of  you  as  the  greatest  favour  you  could  grant 
me  ;  and  it  is  for  your  sake.  Ask  yourself  the  question  ; 
suppose  I  should  die  this  night,  this  hour,  what  would  be 
my  portion  ?  Prepare — Oh  prepare  !" 

He  further  adds—  "  July  27th. 

"  Remember  it  is  of  infinitely  more  consequence  to  be 
a  good  man  than  a  rich  one.  Think  of  this  always."  "  Be 
mindful,  my  dear  brother,  of  the  good  advice  that  has  been 
attempted  to  be  given  you."  "  Keep  the  Sabbath  sacred 
as  the  day  of  the  Lord,  steadily  persisting  in  this  ;  remem- 
bering it  is  your  duty  to  obey  God  rather  than  man  in  all 
things.  With  earnest  desire  for  your  safety,  I  commend 
you  into  the  hand  of  Him,  who  can,  and  will,  take  care  and 
charge  of  you,  if  you  conduct  aright,  and  look  to  him  as 
you  ought,  which  I  hope  you  do  night  and  morning,  as  weH 
as  in  and  through  the  day." 

"  Oh,  Thomas,  do  not  forget  our  Mamma  and  Uncle  ;  how 
happy  they  will  be  to  meet  us  in  Heaven.  But  if  we  will 
not  look  to  God,  what  can  we  expect  but  misery  ?  Farewell. 
Your  true  brother." 

I  have  presented  numerous  extracts  from  this  corres- 
pondence, praying  that  it  may  be  as  instrumental  of  good 
to  the  souls  of  others,  as  I  have  reason  to  believe  it  was  to 
myself.  What  mother  ever  displayed  a  greater  ardour  of 
love,  and  a  more  uninterrupted  and  tender  solicitude  for 
her  own  child,  than  my  beloved  brother  thus  evidenced 
towards  me.  And  he  did  not  labour  in  vain.  Light  was 
thus  gradually  let  into  my  mind,  and  the  current  of  my 
affections  was  in  a  good  degree  turned  from  earth  to 
heaven.     And  my  bosom  now  swells  with  gratitude  to  our 


40  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Heavenly  Father,  that  I  was  blessed  with  such  an  exercise 
of  parental  love  by  an  elder  brother.  And  if  parents,  and 
those  who  can  exercise  an  influence  over  the  minds  and 
hearts  of  the  youth,  would  but  pursue  a  similar  course,  a 
similar,  yea,  a  more  glorious  result  might  certainly  be 
anticipated.  Infinite  Wisdom  says,  "  Train  up  a  child  in 
the  way  he  should  go,  and  when  he  is  old,  he  will  not 
depart  from  it." 

Not  only  the  peculiarly  affectionate  disposition  of  my 
brother  was  thus  unfolded,  but  the  soundness  of  his  princi- 
ples, his  knowledge  of  human  nature,  and  the  maturity  of 
his  judgment.  He  continually  brings  forward  the  funda- 
mental doctrines  and  the  important  duties  of  the  Gospel  in 
such  a  variety  of  attractive  forms,  so  adapted  to  the  pecu- 
liar state  of  my  mind  and  heart,  and  the  providences 
through  which  we  were  passing,  that  we  are  not  so  much 
astonished  at  their  salutary  influence. 

What  renders  this  stage  of  his  history  the  more  interest- 
ing is,  that  in  these  unfoldings  of  the  youthful  mind  and 
heart  of  a  brother,  we  but  view  in  embryo,  the  aflfectionate 
ardour,  the  anxious  solicitude,  and  the  untiring  zeal 
of  the  devoted  pastor,  which  overwhelmed  his  frail  body, 
which  drank  up  his  spirit,  and  now  constrains  us  to  exclaim, 
that  the  zeal  of  the  Lord's  house  hath  indeed  consumed 
him. 


CHAPTER  III. 

HIS     RETURN    TO    HUDSON,    AND    THE    PUBLICATION    OF    HIS 
FIRST    VOLUME    OF    POEMS. 

Mv  brother  left  Berlin  and  returned  to  Hudson  in  October, 
1810.  The  improvement  of  his  mind,  and  a  speedy  prepa- 
ration for  the  ministry,  are  the  objects  before  him.  Decem- 
ber 9th,  we  find  him  entering  the  Hudson  Academy  as  a 
pupil  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Ashbel  Strong,  a  very 
competent  classical  teacher.  He  was  there  occupied  until 
the  24th  of  August,  1811,  if  not  longer.  At  the  same  time 
he  was  constrained  to  engage  in  the  business  of  the  world, 
in  order  to  defray  the  expenses  of  his  education. 

On  the  11th  of  May  he  received  a  power  of  attorney  from 
aunt  Mann,  the  administratrix  of  Dr.  John  M.  Mann,  for 
the  purpose  of  attending  to  the  settlement  of  the  estate  in 
her  behalf.  Previous  to  this,  he  assisted  her  in  the  collec- 
tions. Besides  attending  to  these  various  concerns,  he 
must  at  this  time  have  been  very  much  occupied  in  the 
exercise  of  his  poetical  talent.  In  the  fall  of  this  year,  he 
presents  to  the  public,  a  volume  of  poems  of  one  hundred 
and  eighty  pages,  under  the  signature  of  Osander.  His 
motives  and  feelings,  and  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  his 
case,  are  displayed  in  the  dedication,  the  recommendations, 
and   the  preface  attached  to  this  volume. 

The  title  of  the  volume  is  "  Miscellaneous  Poems,  on 
Moral  and  Religious  Subjects.     By  Osander. 

Religion  as  it  is,  I'd  show, 

Mild  as  the  zephyrs  of  a  morning  sky, 

E 


42  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Sweet  as  the  breathings  of  an  April  air. 
And  rich  as  heaven's  expanse, 
Hudson,  1811." 

It  is  dedicated  "  To  the  Rev.  Samuel  Blatchford,  D.  D." 
"  Rev.  and  respected  Sir, — 

"  When  a  youth  just  entering  into  life  experiences  the 
disinterested  kindness  of  an  amiable  and  respectable  friend, 
how  can  his  heart  but  glow  with  gratitude.  Such  a  youth 
am  I,  Sir ;  and  the  urbanity  of  your  conduct  towards  me, 
joined  to  the  solicitude  by  you  expressed  for  my  welfare, 
has  caused  impressions  never  to  be  eradicated.  As  a  small 
expression  of  my  feelings,  permit  me,  Sir,  thus  publicly  to 
dedicate  to  you  my  thanks,  together  with  this  little  volume; 
which,  however  it  may  fail  in  intrinsic  merit,  is  certainly 
not  wanting  in  good  intention. 

With  filial  reverence  I  am,  Sir, 

Yours,  «S^c. 

OSANDER. 

"Hudson,  (N.  Y.)  November  10th,  1811." 

"  RECOMMENDATIONS." 

"The  young  gentleman,  who,  under  the  name  of  Osander, 
proposes  to  publish  a  volume  of  Poems,  has  presented  to  us 
such  papers  as  are  satisfactory  concerning  his  character. 
His  design  is  to  acquire,  from  this  publication,  such  pecu- 
niary assistance,  as  will  enable  him  to  prosecute  his  studies 
with  a  view  to  the  gospel  ministry.  Believing  that  the 
profits  arising  from  this  publication  will  be  sacredly  appro- 
priated to  the  above  object,  we  cordially  recommend  him 
to  public  notice." 

SAMUEL  MILLER, 
J.  B.  ROMEYN, 
PHILIP  MILLEDOLER, 
EZRA  STILES  ELY, 
GARDNER  SPRING. 
New  York,  August  16th,  1811. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  43 

"Having  had  the  pleasure  of  perusing  several  of  the 
Poems  which  compose  this  little  volume,  and  my  opinion 
concerning  them  being  solicited,  I  do  not  hesitate  in  cha- 
racterizing them  as  possessed  of  considerable  merit.  If 
the  author's  muse  be  young,  it  vi'ell  deserves  encouragement. 

"  The  motive  which  has  induced  Osander  to  this  under- 
taking, is,  in  itself,  interesting,  and  the  public  will  have 
an  opportunity  of  aiding  in  the  accomplishment  of  a  purpose 
which  has  for  its  prospect  the  promotion  of  piety,  and  the 
service  of  the  church. 

SAMUEL  BLATCHFORD. 

"  Lansingburg,  July  26th,  1811." 

The  author's  Preface  I  also  annex. — "  The  eye  of 
criticism  will,  unquestionably,  discover  errors ;  but,  to  a 
juvenile  work,  it  is  hoped  charity  will  be  extended.  Pecu- 
liarity  of  situation,  is  all  that  drives  the  author  into  the 
ordeal  of  public  opinion  at  so  early  an  age." 

He  was  22  years  of  age  when  this  work  was  published. 

The  spirit  of  pure  benevolence  and  ardent  piety  is 
breathed  in  these  pages ;  and  though  much  of  the  elegance 
of  poetry  may  not  be  discovered,  yet  we  meet  with  a  display 
which  is  still  more  attractive,  even  the  unfoldings  of  that 
youthful  mind,  which  evidently  has  'loosed  from  earth  the 
giaspof  fond  desire,'  and  whose  full  soul  pants  for  immortal 
blesssedness. — We  present  a  few  extracts. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  piece  entitled — 

"  SIN  FORGIVEN." 

'■'  Sweet  are  the  visions  of  the  eve, 

That  float  in  fancy's  eye  ; 
And  sweet  the  hour  when  troubles  leave, 

When  dark  afflictions  fly." 

"  But  sweeter  still  the  joy  that  flows 

From  sin  forgot,  forgiven, 
Yes,  sweet  the  peace  the  sinner  knows. 

Whose  hopes  are  raised  to  heaven," 


44  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Oh,  may  the  lot  of  him  be  mine, 

Whose  sins  are  all  forgiven. 
For  whom  the  joys  delightful  shine, 

The  peace  that  flows  from  heaven." 

"  THE  CHRISTIAN  AFFLICTED." 

"  God,  on  high,  beholds  the  pious  man ; 

He  sees  hira  buffet  back  the  waves, 

And  smiles  upon  him — 

Then  with  strength  his  own 

Hastens  to  rescue — sudden  the  billows  cease, 

The  tempest  stills,  and  airs  of  bliss  flow  round ; 

The  soul,  rejoicing,  rises  in  the  calm. 

And  looking  upward,  sees  its  God  its  friend." 

Under  the  title,  "  The  Path  of  Virtue,  or  the  Virtuous 
Clergyman,"  he  has  the  following  as  the  first  line — 

"  This  is  the  peaceful  path  I  Ivve." 
"  COMFORT." 

"  But  ia  there  nought  to  cheer  the  sight  ? 

No  star  to  gild  the  gloom  1 
May  not  some  blessing,  beaming  bright, 

Illume  beyond  the  tomb "!" 

"  Ah  yes,  there  is  a  treasure  dear, 

Which  mortals  may  obtain, 
A  joy  to  dry  the  falling  tear, 

A  balm  to  heal  the  pain." 

"Religion  lights  our  scanty  day 

And  gilds  beyond  the  tomb  : 
— 'Tis  this  which  cheers  the  dark'ning  way, 

And  shines  thro'  years  to  come." 

"  From  Heaven  she  came — her  father,  God — 

A  balm  for  wo  she  bears — 
She  points  the  way  a  Saviour  trod, 

And  drives  afar  our  fears," 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  45 

Respecting  tlie  judgment  day,  he  observes,—"  Man'o 
feeble  pen  may  sketch,  and  sketch  in  vain — it  is  for  the 
day  itself  to  disclose  its  terrors — and,  (thanks  to  our  Re- 
fleemer,)  its  joys." 

The  following  is  an  extract,  which  we  give,  on  account 
of  the  sentiment, — 

"  PRAISE  THE  LOKD." 

*' Jehovah  reigns,  let  Heaven  rejoice, 

Let  Earth  her  anthems  bring, 
To  Hira  in  one  continued  voice. 

Let  all  the  nations  sing." 

^  He  look'd — dark  chaos  gathered  form '. 

He  spake — it  roU'd  in  light : — 
And  where  confusion  hurl'd  her  storms, 

Is  order,  beauteous,  bright." 

"Thro'  all  immensity  he  moves. 

Observing  every  part, 
But  chiefly  marks  the  home  he  loves, 

The  humble,  contrite  hearth 

lie  occupies  a  number  of  pages  in  warm  commendatioa 
of  that  noblest  of  all  Associations,  the  "  Bible  Society." 

In  describing  the  influence  of  a  copy  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures on  the  wretched  inmate  of  a  dungeon,  he  observes, 

"  — He  clasps  it  to  his  bosom  !  Hopes  anew ! 

Rejoices,  praises,  tastes  the  sweets  of  bliss ! 

Is  not  this  deed  deserving'!  Oh,  my  God, 

Give  me  to  bear  such  joy  to  one  poor  heart, 

And  I  will  praise  thee  !  Oh  I  will  praise  for  ever !" 

He  thus  closes  the  piece. — 

"  Oh  thou  who  heard  wlien  Abraham  call'd,  and  who 

Attention  gave  to  infant  Samuel's  cry, 

Grant  me  this  prayer! 

May  thy  rich  grace,  like  dew  of  heav'n  descend. 


46  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

And  own  and  bless  this  band,  this  zealous  band, 
And  other  happy  bands,  and  other  men, 
Who  on  thy  strength  relying,  now  exert, 
Iramanuers  kingdom  to  exalt,  and  thee  to  praise." 

The  following  are  a  portion  of  the  lines  which  he  entitles, 
"  Reflections  at  a  pleasant  country  seat,  whose  owner  had 
lately  sunk  into  the  grave." 

"  Ah  solemn  thought !  these  scenes,  so  calm  and  lovely, 
Once,  as  beauteous  and  as  calm,  were  view'd 
By  eyes  that  now  in  cold  oblivion  rest !" 

"  Death  has  been  here  I 
He's  torn  away  a  gem,  but  not  destroy 'd, 
A  little  moment  hidden  in  the  dust, 
Soon  with  bright  dazzling  lustre  will  it  shine. 
And  shame  yon  orb  of  day  !" 

Thus  I  have  been  led  to  make  a  number  of  extracts  from 
this  volume,  as  it  is  the  first  of  my  brother's  publications 
given  to  the  world  under  truly  interesting  circumstances; 
and  as  the  desire  has  been  so  often  expressed  among  his 
friends  to  possess  the  work.  I  trust,  also,  that  the  spirit 
here  breathed  will  be  enkindled  on  the  altar  of  other  hearts. 

This  volume  must  have  been  favourably  received,  as  we 
find,  in  a  few  months,  a  second  edition  called  for.  And 
February  1st,  1812,  my  brother  is  charged,  by  the  printer, 
with  printing  3000  copies. 

To  dispose  of  his  books,  and  exchange  them  with  the 
booksellers,  he  was  led  to  spend  considerable  time  in 
travelling  among  the  chief  cities  and  towns  included  be- 
tween Albany,  Boston,  and  Baltimore. 

The  grand  object  which  my  brother  had  in  view,  in  his 
untiring  efforts,  was  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  salvation  of 
immortal  souls. In  the  fall  of  1811,  an  afflictive  Provi- 
dence occurred,  which  gave  an  opportunity  for  this  dispo- 
sition to  unfold.     By  a  fall  from  the  third  story  of  a  store, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  47 

my  leg  was  fractured^  by  which  I  was  confined  to  my  bed 
for  about  three  months.  This  renewedly  awakened  up  my 
mind  on  the  subject  of  salvation  ;  and  by  the  blessing  of 
God,  operating  through  the  affectionate  solicitude  and  salu- 
tary counsels  of  my  brother,  I  was  finally  led  to  enter  the 
J^udson  Academy,  and  engage  in  a  course  of  instruction, 
with  some  reference  to  the  ministry.  And  in  this  move- 
ment, my  brother  cheerfully  engaged  to  defray  all  the 
expenses  of  my  education. 

He  endeavoured  to  enlist  the  mind  and  heart  of  our 
cousin,  the  only  son  of  Aunt  Mann,  on  this  important 
subject,  under  the  intention  of  defraying  the  expenses 
of  his  education  likewise.  But  in  this  case  he  did  not 
succeed. — His  own  eye  was  steadily  fixed  on  the  ministry 
of  the  Gospel  as  the  scene  of  his  labour,  and  his  bosom 
was  ardently  panting  for  the  favoured  moment  to  arrive, 
when  he  could  thus  spend  his  strength  in  his  dear  Re- 
deemer's cause.  And  such  were  his  views  of  the  fact,  that 
the  field  was  whitening  on  every  hand  for  the  harvest,  and 
that  the  labourers  were  indeed  {ew,  that  he  endeavoured 
so  to  enlist  those  around,  that  they  might  feel,  and  think, 
and  act  with  him. 

I  close  this  chapter  by  giving  an  extract  of  his  letter  to 
me,  which  displays  the  same  affectionate  and  pious  solici- 
tude in  my  happiness. 

"August  13th,  1811. 
"  Dear  Thomas, — 

"  You  must,  by  this  time,  be  sensible  what  a  privilege 
you  have  enjoyed,  in  being  permitted  to  taste  and  see  that 
the  Lord  is  gracious.  Oh,  my  dear  brother,  look  not  back, 
but  go  on.  Let  not  the  trivial  things  of  this  world  draw 
you  aside  from  your  duty.  'Tis  but  a  little  time  we  have 
to  stay  here ;  then  we  shall  mount  on  wings  of  angels,  to 
meet  our  God,  our  Father,  and  our  Friend,  face  to  face.    Oh-, 


48  MEMOlll  OF  THE 

my  brother,  could  mamma  have  been  allowed  to  look  forward 
to  this  moment,  when  both  her  children  are  thinking  of 
meeting  her  in  Heaven,  how  would  it  have  filled  her  heart 
with  delight.  Well,  though  she  is  not  living,  still  we  know 
not  but  she  is  now  noticing  us,  and  that  every  prayer  we 
address  to  the  throne  of  grace,  and  every  attempt  of  prai^ 
we  make,  adds  a  particle  to  her  happiness.  My  dear 
Thomas,  stand  fast — the  Lord  is  on  your  side — do  not 
forget  him,  but  seek  the  way  of  duty  daily,  and  then  you 
may  expect  happiness.  How  pleasing  will  it  be  to  us,  even 
in  this  world,  if  we  live  to  a  good  old  age,  to  look  back 
upon  life  spent  in  his  service.  Oh,  I  had  rather,  I  had 
rather  have  such  a  retrospect,  than  ten  thousand  Indies.  The 
way  of  the  Lord  is  the  only  way  of  delight,  and  he  that 
walks  therein,  may  expect  peace,  joy,  and  consolation.  If  we 
are  at  any  time  in  affliction,  God  will  comfort  us ;  he  will 
raise  our  eyes  beyond  this  narrow  vale,  and  show  us  the 
prospect  of  Heaven.  Eternity  will  one  day  unfold  before 
us,  and  then,  if  we  have  been  truly  pious,  how  happy  shall 
we  be. 

"  See  the  poor  miserable  multitude  going  on  in  sin,  what 
delight  have  they  ?  Ah  !  none. — Do  not  be  discouraged  and 
think  the  road  is  long — think  what  your  Saviour  suffered  for 
you ;  think  what  a  happiness  there  is  in  store  for  you,  if 
you  are  truly  pious,  and  gain  that  change  of  heart.  Oh, 
my  brother,  it  gives  me  joy  now  to  call  you  my  brother. 
What  happiness  shall  we  not  enjoy  with  the  pure  society 
in  Heaven.  Look  forward  to  it  often.  There  is  mamma  ; 
there  are  the  Saints,  the  Seraphs,  the  Cherubs  ;  there  are  the 
Apostles  and  the  Prophets  ;  there  is  Daniel,  and  Joseph,  and 
Isaiah,  and  David,  and  Solomon,  and  Lazarus,  and  they 
will  all  be  our  dear  companions.  Prepare  for  it,  my  brother ; 
do  all  you  can  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  his 
kingdom,  and  then,  when  death  arrives,  mount  and  be 
happy.     Whether  I  go  first,  or  you  go  first,  'tis  of  little 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  49 

consequence ;  in  a  few  years  we  shall  soon  meet  there ; 
and  then,  adieu  to  pain,  to  disappointment,  and  all  the 
train  of  trials  here — we  shall  be  happy.  Pray,  my  dear 
brother,  for  assistance — pray  and  not  faint.  Remember 
the  example  of  our  dear  Saviour  ;  and  may  God  bless  you, 
and  all  whom  we  should  hold  dear,  for  ever,  for  our  dear 
Redeemer's  sake.  Adieu,  my  dear  brother.  I  commend 
us  to  him. 

"To-morrow  I  start  for  Philadelphia.  I  expect  to  return 
in  about  a  fortnight.  We  are  both  in  our  Maker's  hand, 
and  he  will  take  care  of  us. 

"  Aunt  was  very  thankful  to  hear  the  state  of  your  mind." 

"  I  hope  you  have  found  some  good  society  in  Canaan, 

religious  I  mean.     Be  careful  of  other  ;  and  if  you  mix  in 

that,  that  is  respectable,  remember  the  treasure  you  have 

to  guard." 

B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE    PUBLICATION    OP   HIS    SECOND   VOLUME    OF    P0E3IS HIS 

MARRIAGE — HIS  CORRESPONDENCE,  &C.  DURING  1812. 

During  the  months  of  March,  April,  May,  and  July,  of 
1812,  my  brother  spent  much  of  his  time  in  the  different 
cities, — Boston,  Hartford,  Philadelphia,  but  especially  in 
New- York, — labouring  in  his  book  concern. 

As  adevoted  Christian  and  a  true  patriot,  he  endeavours  to 
improve  every  surrounding  circumstance  to  the  benefit  of 
his  fellows. 

Thus,  in  July,  he  gives  another  volume  of  seventy-four 
pages  to  the  public  with  this  title,  "  United  we  stand, 
divided  we  fall. — A  Poem,  by  Juba,  New- York." 

This  was  about  the  time  of  the  declaration  of  war  with 
England,  when  party  spirit  had  risen  to  such  a  height,  as 
to  call  loudly  for  a  division  of  the  states.  His  "  adver- 
tisement" to  this  volume  is  as  follows — "  Elegance  in  poetry 
is  always  desirable,  and  were  the  only  object  in  publishing 
this  little  volume  the  acquisition  of  fame  to  the  author  as 
a  poet,  he  would  be  culpable  for  issuing  it  hastily.  But  a 
nobler  object  is  in  view ;  one  to  be  immediately  attained, 
and  one,  towards  the  attainment  of  which,  it  is  the  duty  of 
every  American  to  contribute  his  warmest  exertions.  Party 
heat  is  increasing  among  us,  and  our  enemies  are  taking 
advantage  of  it." 

We  add  a  few  extracts,  as  descriptive  of  his  views  and 
feelings  at  this  important  crisis. 

"  Observe  the  glories  of  our  favoured  land, 
Religion  here  her  lovely  sceptre  sways, 
Unawed  by  power,  untrammell'd  by  control :" 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  51 

"  Mild  in  the  light 
Of  science,  Greece  appears  :  Our  prototype 
In  government ;  we  hope,  in  arts.     She  too 
Was  great,  but  could  not  thus  remain  :  She  was 
Divided ;  against  herself  she  needed 
A  defence;  and,  open  to  the  inroads 
Of  ambition,  fell.     Demosthenes,  declares 
Her  present  voice;  'Be  firm — be  free — be  one.'  " 

"  Ambition  will 
Destroy,  if  it  has  power :  Our  wisdom  then 
Is  to  remain  combin'd,  and  keep  it  check'd. 
For  who  can  hope  to  rise,  and  blast  our  rights, 
If  we  are  one.     'Tis  the  collision  of 
Opposing  powers  must  raise  a  conqueror. 
'Tis  'jarring  interests'  keeps  the  '  world  in  arms.' 
If  we  remain  united,  peace  is  our-s. 
Oh,  happy  people  !  Oh,  most  happy  land  ! 
Enjoying  all  the  rest  the  earth  can  give :" 

"There  is  a  bane  of  empires,  a  mildew 

Of  nations.     Party  must  exist ;  'tis  good — 

'Tis  safety  ;  'tis  the  conservation,  oft, 

Of  right:  But  party  frenzied,  th'  infuriate 

Rage  of  heated  minds,  blasts  like  the  whirlwind. 

Better  meet  in  dread  array  all  Europe, 

Aye,  with  India  join'd,  and  twice  a  Caesar 

At  their  head,  than  permit  a  party  zeal 

To  pass  the  bounds  of  moderation  :  Firm, 

But  calm,  should  be  our  conduct.     Our  hero, 

He  whose  name  is  greatness,  and  whose  fame  is  dear 

To  every  freeman,  was  firm,  was  calm — 

We  now  are  free." 

"  Do  not  our  rulers  please  us?  Hurl  them  down 
By  our  elective  power ;  but  do  not  rage, 
And  in  commotion  slay  our  dearest  joys." 

"  Let  us  lift  the  veil 
From  off  futurity,  and  mark  the  height 
At  which  our  growing  greatness  may  arrive." 


52  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Imagination  fires 
In  view  of  our  expanding;  prospects. 
Our  floods,  our  nunuitains,  larijcr  than  the  eye 
Of  Europe  ever  iiuew,  seem  as  haiuhnaids 
To  some  mightier  empire.     Tliis  is  fancy  ; 
But  such  fancies  may  prove  facts.     Yonder  range,* 
Whose  sides  reflect  tlie  Heavens,  and  whose  brow, 
Soaring  aloft,  looks  down  upon  the  clouds, 
Gives  birth  to  thoughts  sublime." 

I  cheerfully  aiiil  tlic  following,  which  more    gratefully 
vibrates  with  the  feelings  of  his  now-borri  soul. 

"  What  temples  here  may  rise  to  glad  the  heart : 
What  millions  crowd  to  Ziou's  happy  gates, 
With  joyful  ilallohijahs  ;  undisturbed 
By  foe  or  danger.     How  will  sweetly  smile 
What  yet  is  wilderness,  bless'd  by  the  Gc^pel. 
Cities  rich  will  rise,  where  roves  the  timid  deer : 
The  village  spire  revive  the  landscape,  where 
Til'  savage  now  holds  deadly  consultation." 

"The  Sun  of  Righteousness  from  iience  may  rise. 
With  healing  in  it5  beauis,  enlight'uiug  lands 
Now  la-^t  in  mental  darkness.     Ignorance 
May  tly  fron\  distant  heathen,  and  the  lips 

Of  thousands bless 

Th'  Almighty  Ruler  of  the  liighest  Heaven, 
For  having  raisM  us  up,  and  giv'n  us  good. 
Yes,  a  flood  of  living  praise  may  flow,  which 
Shall  call  down  on  us  new  showers  of  blessings." 

"  Man  is  born  for  Ileav'n  ;  here  in  happy  peace. 
He  may  prepare  his  wings  and  wait  his  flight. 
Anticipation  hence  may  litl  her  eye. 
Directed  to  the  skies;   Faith,  with  calm  view. 
Dwell  on  beatic  vision  ;  and  Reason 
Joyfully  be  lost  m  hopes  of  glory." 

•  The  Alleghany  was  in  view. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  58 

In  a  note  annexed  to  this  volume,  he  observes — "  The 
hope  of  being  made  happy  in  spreading  the  Gospel  of  peace 
to  other  regions,  is  alone  sufficient  to  animate  us  to  activity 
in  preserving  our  union,  and  to  gratitude  for  our  present 
privileges.  To  comfort  the  disconsolate  heathen,  to  lead 
the  wanderer  in  the  way  of  life,  is  an  employ  which  would 
be  delightful  to  angels,  and  which  must  fill  with  joy  the 
souls  of  men  not  buried  in  the  littleness  of  this  world. 
United,  we  shall  be  a  greater  people;  shall  sooner  arrive  at 
higher  degrees  of  perfection,  and,  consequently,  shall  be 
able  to  do  more,  and  to  do  that  sooner,  than  if  we  were 
divided."  "  There  is  in  this  country  an  Herculean 
strength,  a  mind  of  noble  daring,  and  a  heart  warm  with 
benevolence." 

He  thus  closes  the  poetical  part  of  the  volume — 

"  Soon  may  the  smile  of  peace  return ; 
'Till  then  let  party  cease.     In  one  firm  hand 
Of  well  united  brothers  let  us  join. 
Remembering  this ; — avhen  we  divide,  wk  fall." 

About  this  period,  anxious  to  multiply  the  means  of  use- 
fulness to  others,  he  engaged  in  the  republication  of  that 
invaluable  work,  Doddridge'' s  Rise  and  Progress  of  Reli- 
gion in  the  Soul.  He  was  the  instrument  of  putting  into 
circulation  thousands  of  copies.  Perhaps  his  attention  was 
more  especially  directed  to  this  work,  as,  I  believe,  he 
looked  to  it  as  the  means  of  good  to  his  own  soul. 

Sabbath,  the  2d  of  August,  was  an  interesting  day  to  my 
brother,  as  well  as  myself.  In  the  presence  of  the  congre- 
gation, I  received  Christian  Baptism,  and  was  permitted  to 
unite  with  the  followers  of  the  blessed  Redeemer,  at  the 
Table  of  the  Lord.  On  this  occasion,  I  was  favoured 
with  the  counsel  and  presence  of  my  brother,  which  much 
animated  and  encouraged  me  in  thus  taking  up  my  cross. 

F 


54  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Also,  I  believe,  that  she,  whom  he  had  selected  as  his  com- 
panion, united  with  us  on  that  occasion. 

For  some  years,  my  brother  had  been  ardently  attached 
to  a  young  lady  in  the  vicinity  of  Hudson,  Miss  Harriet 
Swift,  the  daughter  of  Mr.  John  Swift,  an  elder  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  Under  the  impression  that  his  mind 
would  be  less  distracted,  and  he  could  pursue  with  a  more 
undivided  attention  the  objects  before  him,  he  was  led  to 
make  arrangements  for  closing  this  long  existing  engage- 
ment. He  was  accordingly  married,  by  the  Rev.  John 
Chester,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  on  the  evening  of 
Thursday,  August  6th,  1812. 

For  a  short  time  after  his  marriage,  he  was  unsettled  as 
to  the  place  of  their  future  residence.  New-York  presented 
many  advantages  in  connexion  with  the  publication  and 
disposal  of  his  works;  also  for  the  prosecution  of  his  stu- 
dies. At  one  moment,  he  had  determined  to  remove  to 
New-York,  and  publish  a  periodical  work.  The  Miscellany. 
After  arrangements  had  been  made  to  obtain  subscribers 
for  this  work,  he,  for  some  cause,  changed  his  plan,  and 
determined  to  spend  the  winter  in  Hudson. 

While  on  a  visit  to  our  relations  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  I 
received  the  following  notice  of  another  change  in  their 
movements. 

"  New-York,  Nov.  2d,  1812. 

"  Beloved  Brother : — Yours  of  21st  ult.  came  to  hand 
this  day,  by  way  of  Hudson.  Contrary  to  previous  expec- 
tation, we  have  removed  to  New-York,  to  reside  this  win- 
ter. I  have  entered  myself  in  Dr.  Mason's  school.  More 
than  all,  I  have  consented,  though  against  my  inclination, 
to  take  charge  of  a  small  number  of  scholars,  and  have  this 
day  begun  with  them.  I  want  your  assistance  in  it.  I  wish 
you  to  get  on  board  the  first  packet  for  New- York,  and 
come  directly  here."  "  I  am  anxious  to  see  you,  as  well  as 
wanting  you  in  the  school." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  AI.LEN.  65 

«« Cling  close  to  the  Rock,  Christ  Jesus."  "  For  ever 
yours,  with  sincerity  and  affection, 

B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

I  left  Providence,  and  arrived  in  Nevv^-York  the  15th  of 
November.  We  then  united  in  conducting  the  school. 
In  consequence  of  his  health,  1  believe,  in  connexion  with 
some  more  advantageous  plan  presenting,  the  school  was 
soon  relinquished. 

In  the  free  and  familiar  correspondence  of  friend  with 
friend,  we  more  distinctly  discover  the  true  bias  of  the  soul, 
and  the  real  actings  of  the  man.  And  to  give  this  honest 
view,  should  certainly  be  the  object  of  every  writer  of 
biography. 

I  close  this  chapter,  by  presenting  extracts  from  his 
letters  to  myself,  during  the  year  1812. 

He  writes  from  "  New-York,  March  12th,  1812. 

"  Let  your  heart  be  encouraged,  my  dear  brother,  in  the 
way  you  have  begun.  It  is  a  truly  happy  way.  One, 
around  which,  the  angels,  ministering  spirits,  may  be  said 
to  watch  with  peculiar  care.  What  so  interesting  to  them, 
as  to  see  a  young  man  devoting  himself  to  his  Redeemer, 
giving  up  all  his  time,  and  all  his  talents,  to  that  cause, 
which  is  the  only  noble  one,  the  only  truly  honourable  one. 
Go  on,  then,  my  dear  brother,  improve  your  mind,  and  fit 
yourself  for  extensive  usefulness.  It  is  the  summit  of  my 
ambition,  respecting  you,  to  see  you  a  useful  minister. 
What  joy  would  it  have  given  our  departed  parent,  could 
she  have  looked  forward,  and  have  seen  both  her  children 
settling  in  the  ministry,  with  hearts  engaged  in  the  cause, 
and  trusting  in  the  blessing  of  Heaven."  "  Be  then  cir- 
cumspect in  all  your  conduct.  Offend  not  that  Holy  Being, 
who  is  our  Father  and  our  Friend."  "  I  am  satisfied,  our 
going  forward,  happily,  in  the  way  we  have  begun,  will  give 


56  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

pleasure  to  the  bosom  of  that  beloved  parent  who  remains  to 
U3,  though,  now,  he  does  not  fully  perceive  the  peace  and 
content  that  awaits  us.  Pray  for  me,  my  dear  brother,  and 
may  the  blessing  of  Heaven  be  with  you." 

"  If  you  read  any  thing  besides  the  Scriptures,  let  it  be 
Doddridge's  writings  for  the  present." 

I  would  here  observe,  for  the  direction  and  encourage- 
ment of  the  humble  inquirer,  that  Doddridge's  Rise  and 
Progress  of  Religion  in  the  Soul,  was,  I  believe,  made 
the  instrument  of  great  good  to  my  anxious  bosom. 

Our  parent  having  been  raised  in  the  mercantile  life, 
and  having  reared  us  up  with  a  direct  reference  to  the  same 
calling,  it  required  some  considerable  struggle,  on  his  part, 
to  overcome  his  prejudices,  and  abandon  his  long  maturing 
plans,  so  far  as  to  give  his  consent  for  us  to  engage  in  pre- 
paration for  the  Gospel  ministry.  My  brother  has  reference 
to  this,  in  his  letter  from 

"Boston,  March  16th. 
"Dear  Thomas: — After  so  long  absence,  I  begin  to 
think  it  time  that  we  had  some  little  conversation.  I  am 
anxious  to  see  you,  and  learn  how  you  progress  in  your 
studies.  Believe  me,  it  is  a  wish  near  my  heart,  to  see  you 
maintaining  a  respectable  standing  in  College,  and  in 
consequence  a  respectable  standing  in  after  life.  I  know 
our  father's  predilection  for  merchandise  ;  but  times  are 
extremely  uncertain,  and  a  person  comfortably  settled, 
independent  of  the  fluctuations  of  trade,  has  more  com- 
mand of  his  own  mind,  and  is  happier ;  besides  this,  are 
all  the  other  nobler  inducements.  However,  I  wish  him 
to  be  gratified  :  Then  the  difficulty  arises,  where  shall 
we  find  a  good  place?  It  would  be  almost  equal  to  death, 
for  you  to  get  some  promiscuous  place  in  New-York  or 
Boston,  where  you  would  be  under  no  restraint,  but  that 
of  yourself,  exposed  to  all  the  vile  company,  and  power- 
ful temptations  of  these  large  towns.  In  the  hand  of 
Heaven,  you  are  safe  any  where  it  is  true." 


KKV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN,  57 

'"  Mr.  S.  is  a  fine  man  as  a  teacher,  and  I  know  he 
takes  great  pains  with  you.  You  now  enjoy  an  oppor- 
tunity truly  valuable :  You  having  nothing  to  do  but 
study.  If  you  find,  after  a  faithful  trial,  that  your  incli- 
nation does  not  comport  with  study,  I  would  not  have 
you  pursue  it  by  any  means  ;  and  then  I  shall  feel  more 
willing  to  try  and  get  you  a  place  in  some  store,  under 
a  pious  man,  if  possible." 

"  Remember  above  all  your  duty  to  your  Maker.  Strive 
to  grow  in  grace.  Look  not  for  impressions  and  feelings, 
but  do  your  duty  fervently,  faithfully,  and  prayerfully,  and 
you  will  feel  satisfied  and  encouraged,  as  much  as  mortal 
can.  Place  not  your  hopes  on  impressions  of  the  moment 
too  much.  Though  there  are  times  when  the  Christian 
feels  rapt  above  these  Heavens  and  this  earth  ;  but  if  he 
does  not  always  feel  this  joy,  he  should  not  be  dissatisfied. 
Only  go  on  with  prayer  for  his  companion,  and  his  Bible  his 
director,  and  his  God  will  be  his  friend."  "  Adieu.  Be 
faithful  unto  death,  and  you  will  receive  a  crown  of  life." 

"  Hartford,  Conn.,  March  28th. 
"  Dear  and  only  Brother  : — Truly  may  I  say  your  wel- 
fare lies  near  my  heart,  as  we  are  the  only  remains  of  our 
parent  who  is  gone,  and  all  that  another  parent  has  to  com- 
fort and  solace  him  in  his  widowed  state  here."  "  I  own 
it  would  give  me  great  pleasure,  very  great  satisfaction,  to 
see  you  devoting  yourself,  for  life,  to  the  cause  of  our 
Redeemer.  And  nought  but  the  respect  I  have  for  the 
opinion  of  our  parent,  prevents  me  from  urging  it  upon  you 
more.  What  more  delightful,  than  serving  our  Creator, 
and  enhancing  his  glory  ?  What  more  exhilarating  in  anti- 
cipation, than  mansions  superior  to  those  of  the  archangel 
i.i  Heaven  ?  Stars  in  the  crown  of  our  rejoicing  also, 
together  with  the  joy  of  conversing  with  souls,  whom  we 
have  been  made  instrumental  in  bringing  from  darkness  to 

f2 


58  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

light.  I  hope  our  parent  will  yet  be  convinced  how  much 
happier  you  may  be  in  this  state  of  action;  and  will  be  at 
length  pleased  with  the  prospect  of  having  his  two  sons 
more  useful  members  of  society,  than  they  can  be  in 
merchandise.  In  business,  a  man's  attention  is  confined  ; 
he  cannot  be  as  active  in  the  cause  of  his  Maker ;  his 
attention  is  principally  taken  up  with  his  own  affairs,  and 
his  mind  becomes  more  and  more  in  love  with  the  world. 
I  count  it  an  honour,  if  I  may  be  allowed  to  assist  you  to 
place  yourself  in  that  contented  and  serene  situation,  in 
which  you  maybe  most  mentally  active  for  the  cause  of  our 
God :  In  that  glorious  situation,  whence  you  may  look  for- 
ward to  an  extatic  death-bed,  and  a  superior  degree  of  feli- 
city above  the  skies." 

"  The  Christian  world  are  looking  with  interest,  and  with 
pleasure,  to  see  young  men  coming  forward  to  the  ministry. 
Aged  clergymen,  the  patriarchs  of  the  Church,  whose  eyes 
begin  almost  to  brighten  with  the  rays  of  Heavenly  glory, 
recognize  with  delight,  those  who  may  stand  in  their  places 
and  dispense  the  bread  of  life,  when  they  are  low  in  dust ; 
when  their  souls,  rich  in  hope,  shall  have  gone  to  their 
everlasting  rest.  Oh  !  that,  hand  in  hand,  we  might  pass 
along  the  Christian  course  ;  that,  hand  in  hand,  we  might 
fight  for  our  Lord  and  Master ;  for  Him  who  died  for  us ; 
that  together,  we  might  be  presented  by  our  parents  to  our 
Heavenly  Father,  at  the  Day  of  Judgment,  with  these 
words,  '  Here  are  we,  and  the  useful  children  whom  thou 
hast  given  us.'" 

"Our  parent  has  had  much  to  make  him  unhappy;  it 
ought  to  be  our  business  to  endeavour  to  make  the  rest  of 
his  life  happy.  And  I  know  it  will  contribute  much  to  his 
happiness,  to  see  us  useful  in  life.  Soon,  I  hope,  he  will 
recognize  a  home  of  his  own  under  my  roof,  and  with  the 
assistance  of  Heaven,  every  thing  shall  be  done  by  me 
that  can  make  his  years  pass  pleasantly  on.     May  his  morn- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  59 

ings  and  his  evenings  rise  and  fall  serenely — his  mind 
fitting  for  its  Heavenly  mansion.  He  has  watched  over 
our  years,  when  we  could  not  but  have  perished  without  his 
aid.  Tenderly  has  he  provided  for  our  infancy ;  let  us  do 
all  we  can,  let  us  make  that  duty  our  delight.  Come,  my 
brother,  you  must  think  of  nothing  now  but  your  Maker 
and  your  studies.  Providence  will  provide  for  you,  and 
make  you,  I  hope,  eminently  useful,  and  therefore  eminently 
happy. — Write  to  me  in  New-York,  stating  your  views  and 
feelings. — Yours  for  ever." 

As  was  anticipated  by  my  brother,  our  father  became 
satisfied  with  our  course,  which  is  evident  from  the  following 
extract  of  his  letter  to  me  in  New-York,  dated 

"  Hudson,  July  24th,  1813. 
"  Dear  Son  Thomas, — 

"  You  are  now  preparing  yourself  to  be  a  good  and 
valuable  member  of  society,  to  be  looked  up  to  for  example, 
instruction,  and  advice.  You  are  surrounded  with  vices  of 
every  name,  also  extravagance,  dissipation,  &c.,  therefore 
it  is  necessary  for  you  to  be  very  cautious  in  all  your  words, 
works,  and  actions,  and  the  company  you  associate  with  ; 
and  you  being  a  stranger,  be  careful  you  are  not  taken  in. 
Flee  every  vice,  and  practice  every  virtue,  and  the  reward 
is  a  long  and  happy  life,  and  a  comfort  and  delight  to  your 
parent,  relatives,  and  friends.  Love  to  son  Benjamin  and 
daughter  Harriot.  Yours  affectionately, 

B.  ALLEN." 

My  brother  again  writes,  "  April  7th,  1812. 

"  My  dear  Brother, — 

I  do  not  know  that  I  can  spend  an  odd  half  hour  much 
better  than  in  writing  to  you,  and  striving  again  to  encou- 
rage you  in  your  course.  Be  not  dismayed,  my  dear 
Thomae,  at  the  length  of  time  which  may  appear  before 


60  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

you — (for  1  want  you  to  be  well  fitted,  and  to  go  to  Yale 
College  ;)  it  will  slide  pleasantly  away,  and  you  will  begin 
to  respect  yourself  for  acquirements  and  honours  obtained, 
almost  before  you  have  found  that  the  road  is  lengthy.  Be 
strong  in  the  Lord — repel  temptation  through  his  strength. 
1  would  advise  you  to  read  the  Scriptures  principally,  beside 
your  studies,  for  a  knowledge  of  them  is  most  valuable." 

"New- York,  April  17th. 
■"  Dear  and  only  Brother, — 

"  I  am  making  arrangements  for  you  to  pursue  your 
studies  throughout  the  course,  firmly  believing  that  Provi- 
dence will  incline  your  mind  to  that  course,  which  is  the 
way  of  happiness,  of  usefulness,  and  peace.  Believe  me, 
my  dear  brother,  this  subject  lies  near  my  heart,  and  1 
shall  be  very  much  disappointed,  if  it  does  not  take  the 
turn  I  hope  for.  Still  go  on  in  prayer,  in  reading;  in  fear- 
ing and  loving  God." 

"  Had  you  seen  as  much  of  the  turmoil  and  perplexity 
of  the  world  as  I  have,  I  presume  you  would  feel  your 
mind  more  strengthened  in  that  to  which  I  trust  it  is  already 
inclined.  Leaving  you  in.  the  hands  of  that  God  who  is 
our  constant  safeguard  and  support,  I  subscribe  myself  your 
ever  aflfectionate  brother." 

"  April  27th. 

"  It  is  a  wish  near,  very  near  my  heart,  to  have  you  go 
forward  into  the  vineyard  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  and  to 
devote  yourself  to  him.  I  cannot  be  made  contented 
without  it,  at  least  not  by  man.  I  tell  the  friends  of  reli- 
gion in  this  place,  that  there  are  two  of  us  going  forward, 
(under  the  blessing  of  Heaven,)  into  the  field. — And  Oh, 
do  not  you  disappoint  them." — "  Never  was  there  such  a 
season  before.  So  much  action,  so  wide  a  field,  and  so 
much  life  among  Christians.  The  prospect  is  glorious. 
Many,  very  many  young  men  are  coming  forward  ;  still  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  Gl 

labourers  are  few.  It  is  our  duty,  if  we  do  no  more,  to 
pray  to  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  more  labourers 
into  his  vineyard.  And  what  prevents  our  going?  Our 
Father  will  be  satisfied." 

"  My  dear  Brother,  read  the  Scriptures — search  the  Scrip- 
tures— read  them  for  instruction — read  them  with  attention 
and  with  prayer.  They  are  a  fund  of  delight  as  well  as  of 
instruction.  The  promises  contained  in  them  are  food  for 
the  soul.  The  prospects  unfolded  to  view  are  truly  glorious. 
We  see,  there,  that  when  we  praise  God,  we  only  join 
myriads  of  celestial  spirits  who  are  in  Heaven.  We  see, 
there,  that  when  we  leave  the  world  to  follow  Christ,  angels 
look  down  with  delight,  and  come  down  to  attend  us,  and 
to  guard  us  on  our  way.  We  see,  if  we  choose  Heaven 
before  the  perishing  things  of  this  little  world,  a  mansion 
at  God's  right  hand  is  provided  for  us,  and  a  crown  of  glory 
which  fadeth  not  away. — If,  too,  we  become  faithful  ambas- 
sadors for  Christ,  that  crown  is  beset  with  stars  of  peculiar 
glory.  We  see  Him,  who  is  all  and  in  all,  becoming  our 
Father  and  our  Friend.  Search,  then,  the  Scriptures.  Go 
on  your  well-begun  way  rejoicing.  Be  not  conformed  to 
this  world,  but  choose  Christ  as  your  pattern;  study  his 
character,  and  strive  to  imitate  him.  Pray  for  grace  to 
imitate  him.  Be  not  conformed  to  this  world,  I  say.  Be 
not  overanxious  to  form  friendships  with  men  of  this  world. 
Friends,  if  they  are  not  Christians,  do  us  hurt.  They  make 
us  cold  and  lukewarm,  and  we  foiget  our  first  love. 

"My  dear  brother,  rise  early.  Many  a  year  of  precious 
time  is  wasted,  by  half  an  hour's  criminal  indulgence  in 
the  morning.  Be  up  with  the  sun.  Be  reading  the  Scrip- 
tures, or  otherwise  well  employed.  Read  a  portion  of  the 
Scriptures,  however,  every  morning.  Our  Saviour's  words 
are  balm  and  nectar.  The  Prophecies  are  sublime :  The 
Psalms  awaken  our  Hallelujahs,  and  the  trials  of  the 
Patriarchs  exhibit  to  us  our  own  course.     Be  constant  in 


62  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

reading  the  word.  Have  you  a  leisure  hour,  read  the  Scrip- 
tures. Do  you  wish  for  pleasure,  read  them.  Do  you 
wish  for  a  view  of  the  Heavenly  region,  read  them.  Do 
you  wish  to  be  transported  to  the  third  Heavens,  read  them, 
and  pray.  Pray,  my  beloved  brother — improve  your  time, 
— read  the  Scriptures,  'tis  all  I  can  say  to  you.  May 
Heaven  preserve  you. — Adieu.  '  Keep  holy  the  Sabbath 
day.'  Let  not  your  feet  wander,  but — study,  meditate  and 
pray  during  it,  Heaven  then  will  bless  you." 

"  May  3d. 

"  I  hope  you  are  growing  in  grace.  Remember  Chris- 
tians must  be  active.  If  they  would  be  strong  in  the  inner 
man,  they  must  be  constant  in  prayer,  constant  in  perusing 
the  Scripture.  Take  not  for  your  example  those  careless 
ones  who  seem  to  care  liltle  or  nothing  about  attending  to 
the  duties  of  religion." — "  You  have  not  so  learned  Christ. 
you  must  delight  to  walk  in  the  straight  and  narrow  way  of 
duty.  You  cannot  expect  comfort  in  religion  except  you 
walk  there.  There  are  thousands  of  nominal  Christians. 
There  are  many,  alas^  too  many,  who  love  the  world  so 
well,  they  cannot  leave  it  altogether  for  Christ — who  strive 
to  unite  the  world  and  religion." 

"  Our  Saviour  loves  you,  he  gave  himself  for  you,  and  he 
will  delight  to  bless  you,  if  you  walk  as  he  has  told  you. 
He  is  your  constant  intercessor  with  the  Father  so  long  as 
you  cling  close  to  his  footsteps.  Be  strong,  then,  in  per- 
forming your  duty.  Be  vigilant.  If  you  find  your  graces 
fading,  fly  to  the  throne  of  grace.  Your  heart  must  be  like 
that  of  a  little  child,  tender  and  trembling,  for  fear  of 
offence,  mourning  under  sin,  not  because  it  will  cause 
punishment,  but  because  God  hates  it ;  it  is  an  offence 
against  his  infinite  purity.  Do  you  feel  low  and  depressed, 
go,  my  dear  brother,  to  Jesus,  your  Friend.  He  has  felt 
pain,  and  knows  how  to  pity  you.     Entreat  of  your  Hea- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  63 

venly  Father,  to  pour  into  your  soul  the  balm  of  consola- 
tion— entreat  him  to  cleanse  you  from  sin,  and  to  show  you 
his  salvation.  Beg  of  him  grace  to  be  enabled  to  put  your 
trust  in  him,  and  to  go  on  your  way  rejoicing.  God  cares 
for  you,  he  loves  you,  and  nothing  but  sin  keeps  you  from 
always  rejoicing  before  him.  Get  not  a  worldly  spirit,  it  is 
the  bane  of  joy — it  will  make  you  go  mourning  in  the 
house  of  your  pilgrimage.  Remember  you  are  looking  to 
a  Heavenly  country  where  God  is,  and  where  Jesus,  the 
dear,  the  loving  Redeemer  reigns.  Stand  alone  you  must, 
in  some  degree,  but  remember  you  only  appear  to  the 
human  eye  to  stand  alone ;  the  eye  of  faith  sees  ten  thou- 
sand times  ten  thousand  Saints  and  Seraphims  your  com- 
panions; they  are  praising  and  adoring  the  Majesty  on  high, 
and  you  are  learning  here  to  praise  him.  Come  out  from 
the  world  or  you  perish.  Be  faithful,  be  zealous,  pray 
without  ceasing.  Treat  your  companions  as  friends,  but 
not  as  bosom  friends,  except  they  love  the  Lord  Jesus, 
except  they  love  his  Sanctuary,  and  can  tell  of  God's  deal- 
ings with  their  souls.  Except  the  word  of  God  be  sweeter 
to  them  than  honey  in  the  honey-comb,  they  are  no  com- 
panions for  you.  Pray  for  your  brother,  and  be  you  a 
shining  light  to  the  youth  of  Hudson.  Be  humble. — Yours 
in  the  bonds  of  love,  brotherly  and  Christian." 

"  May  4th. 
"  I  will  not  conceal  from  you  the  pleasure  your  letter 
gave  me.  Your  heart  is  as  I  wish  it  to  be;  only  maintain 
(through  Divine  strength)  that  holy  fear  of  sin,  and  of  fall- 
ing into  coldness,  and  you  will  thrive.  Be  constant  in 
prayer  :  cling  close  to  the  Rock  of  Ages.  Oh,  my  brother, 
my  heart  is  full.  'I'he  glorious  prospect  that  flows  before 
us  both,  fills  me  with  rapture.  Go  on,  go  on,  my  brother, 
God  will  bless  and  support  you.  Say  not  that  it  is  me.  It 
is  God,  and  him  alone.    If  he  makes  me,  in  any  degree,  the 


64  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

happy  instrument,  I  adore  and  bless  him  for  it."  "  We 
are  in  God's  hand,  and  he  will  bless  us.  Love  not  the 
world.  Go  to  Jesus — talk  with  Jesus — read  his  Word." 
"  Read  God's  dealings  with  his  people  Israel :  how  he  led 
them  like  a  flock,  and  sin  in  them,  made  him  hide  his 
countenance  from  them.  See  how  he  supported  Joseph, 
and  led  him  through  a  dark  way  to  light  and  peace  :  How 
he  supported  him  under  temptation;  and  put  your  trust 
in  him.  Night  and  day,  draw  nigh  to  him."  "  Be  not 
anxious  to  be  approved  by  worldly  men,  nor  by  those 
Christians  whose  minds  are  lost  in  the  world."  "  I  rejoice 
in  your  present  delightful  situation,  pursuing  your  studies 
with  nothing  to  interrupt  or  trouble  you.  Improve  the 
golden  hours,  my  brother.     Soon,  I  hope,  I  shall  be  with 

you." 

"  Philadelphia,  May  31st. 
" '  How  beautiful  upon  the  mountains,  are  the  feet  of 
those  who  publish  glad  tidings.'  I  am  happy  that  I  have 
a  brother,  and  peculiarly  happy  am  I,  in  knowing  that  that 
brother  has  devoted  himself  to  his  Redeemer.  Yes,  my 
beloved  Thomas,  you  have  truly  engaged  in  a  good  cause. 
Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,  but  go  on,  manfully  fight- 
ing." "  Satan  is  peculiarly  active  in  attacking  young  tra- 
vellers in  the  way  to  Zion,  harrassing  them  with  doubts — 

but,  remember 

'  The  mighty  God 
Who  feeds  the  strength  of  every  saint.' 

He  is  your  guardian,  and  never  will  he  forsake,  no  never. 
For  wise  purposes,  he  sometimes  lets  clouds  and  darkness 
rest  upon  our  path,  but,  in  his  own  good  time,  his  fatherly 
hand  will  remove  them,  and  he  will  let  us  see,  that  he  is 
still  protecting  and  still  preserving. 

My  life  has  been  kindly  preserved,  and  my  way  gradually 
opened  to  its  present  glory,  (I  say  glory,  for  I  consider 
it  a  glorious  thing  to  be  permitted  to  be  preparing  to  serve 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  65 

our  Maker.)  I  often  know  not  how  the  clouds  would 
be  dispelled.  I  look  back  and  see  times  when  I  was 
mourning,  but  God's  good  hand,  I  now  see,  was  blessing 
me  all  the  time.  You,  I  hope,  my  brother,  never  may 
have  the  same  difficulties ;  but  trials  of  some  kind  you 
must  have,  for  they  are  the  lot  of  life.  It  therefore  is  your 
duty  to  keep  close  to  the  straight  and  narrow  way,  in  order 
that  you  may  find  support  under  them.  The  more  you 
wander  from  that  way,  the  greater  will  be  your  trials. — 
Trust  in  God,  my  dear  brother,  for  he  is  truly  good.  He 
will  help" — "  comfort" — "  and  finally  take  you  to  his 
bosom  for  ever.  Mr.  Chester  wishes  you  to  join  the  church, 
but  he  says  the  request  must  come  from  yourself.  You  have 
only  to  signify  the  same  desire  to  him  that  you  have  to  me, 
and  you  will  be  received. 

"  "When  you  enter  the  visible  church,  may  a  full  unction 
from  the  Holy  One  be  given  to  you,  that  you  may  feel 
strong  in  the  way  of  the  Lord.  Be  humble,  lie  at  the  feet 
of  Jesus,  and  he  will  bless  you."  "  To  our  God  I  commend 
you."  "  Pray,  pray  with  all  your  heart  that  we  may  be 
permitted  to  serve  him,  for  nothing  else  is  worth  living  for, 
and  that,  oh  !  that  is  glorious  work  indeed.  Adieu. — Hea- 
ven bless  you  and  our  beloved  parent." 

When  my  brother  penned  the  above  in  Philadelphia, 
how  much  greater  would  have  been  his  transport  of  joy,  in 
his  view  of  the  Gospel  ministry,  could  he  have  looked  for- 
ward but  a  short  space,  and  seen  this  very  city,  not  only 
the  field  of  his  unremitted  labours  for  years,  but  also  the 
scene  of  his  brother's  more  humble  eflTorts." 

"New- York,  July  16th. 
"  I  would  advise  you,  to  take  up  first,  Henry's  Commen- 
tary with  the  New  Testament,  and  make  it  your  constant 
study.     May  the  good  blessing  of  our  Father  above,  attend 
you  in  it." 

G 


66  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  July  21st. 

"  My  time  would  pass  more  pleasantly  to  myself  on  Pros- 
pect Hill,  in  company  with  you  and  H.  ;  but  business 
must  be  attended  to.  Providence  knows  the  path  which  is 
best  for  me,  and  in  that,  I  endeavour  to  walk  rejoicing. 
I  experience  constant  support  and  comfort  from  the  Divine 
hand,  as  I  believe  I  am  in  the  way  of  duty,  and  I  try  to  look 
there  for  aid.  Forget  not  to  pray  for  me,  my  brother,  as 
I  think  your  interest  at  the  throne  is  beginning  to  be 
something.  May  you  be  also  assisted  in  the  path  which 
appears  to  be  before  you,  that  of  joining  yourself  to  the 
visible  Church.  On  Friday  evening  T  saw  two  persons 
baptized  in  Dr.  R.'s  church  ;  one  of  them  appeared  to  be 
a  little  older  than  you,  the  other  was  almost,  or  quite  as 
old  as  our  father." 

"  Keep  near  the  throne,  and  be  careful  to  study  the 
Scriptures."  "Remember  that  studying  the  Scriptures  is 
of  more  consequence  than  studying  Latin,  but  you  ought 
not  to  neglect  either."  "  Be  not  afraid  of  duty,  trust  in 
the  Lord." 

"  July  23d. 

"  My  Dear  Brother : — The  importance  of  your  doing 
what  is  so  evidently  your  duty,  appears  to  me  greater  and 
greater  every  day.  I  yesterday  had  an  opportunity  of  con- 
versing with  a  young  man  much  in  your  situation,  only  his 
mind  was  rather  more  fixed  on  the  duty  of  going  forward 
immediately.  This  waiting,  this  cold  formal  prudence, 
after  having  experienced  what  you  have,  is  not  right.  You 
will,  I  am  afraid,  reap  bad  consequences  from  it,  if  you 
indulge  it  too  far.  I  am  only  anxious  for  your  welfare,  my 
dear  brother.  When  I  came  forward  to  join  the  Church, 
satan  threw  some  doubts  in  my  way,  and  pretty  strong  ones 
too,  but  they  were  happily  solved,  and  I  have  reason  to 
thank  and  praise  my  Maker  for  ever  and  ever,  that  I  came 
forward  as  I  did.     Had  I  not  done  it,  that  duty  would  have 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  67 

arisen  in  my  path  as  a  great  obstacle,  and  very  likely  I 
should  have  sunk  back,  at  least  for  a  time,  into  coldness 
and  worldly  mindedness.  My  brother,  what  can  you  have 
more  ?  God  has  graciously  wrought  a  good  work  in  your 
heart.  He  has  convinced  you  of  sin  ;  he  has  caused  you 
to  fly  to  him  for  relief;  he  has  given  you  comfort  in  prayer, 
and  this,  again  and  again.  And  now,  why  hesitate  in  com- 
ing forward,  and  placing  yourself  more  immediately  under 
his  care,  and  acknowledging  him  before  men  ?  If  you 
wait  until  you  are  perfect,  you  will  wait  for  ever.  He 
expects  you  to  be  unworthy  and  sinful,  only  he  expects  you 
to  come,  casting  yourself  upon  him,  acknowledging  your 
unworthiness,  and  trusting  in  Jesus  for  pardon  and  accept- 
ance. He  has  given  you  hope,  because  he  has  comforted 
you  in  prayer." 

"  Oh,  my  brother,  I  want  to  see  you  in  the  arms  of  our 
Lord  Jesus — in  the  pale  of  his  visible  Church.  It  is  your 
duty  to  acknowledge  him  before  men,  and  then  he  will 
delight,  more  and  more,  to  acknowledge  you  by  comfort- 
ing you  :  and  he  will  acknowledge  you,  when  he  shall 
appear  with  his  holy  angels." 

"  The  Lord  be  with  you,  and  direct  your  steps.  Pray  to 
him  more  and  more,  my  brother.  Keep  near  his  throne, 
and  he  will  always  lighten  up  your  path  for  you,  until  he 
takes  you  to  himself.  Delay  not  to  acknowledge  him. 
Delay  has  been  too  long  already.     Delays  are  dangerous." 

I  gladly  give  another  letter  which  he  wrote  a  few  days 
previous  to  my  uniting  myself  to  the  Church.  Contrary  to 
his  expectation,  he  was  enabled  to  be  with  me  on  that 
occasion. 

"  New-Yoek,  July  30th,  1812. 

"Dear  and  only  Brother: — As  you  are  about  to  be  my 
brother  in  two  respects,  I  may  now  consider  you  as  doubly 
near  to  me.     I  was  anxious  to  be  with  you  on  the  approach- 


eS  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

ing  Sabbath,  but  Providence  wills  it  otherwise.  Our  Hea- 
venly Father  will  support  you  and  take  care  of  you,  and 
all  I  could  do,  if  I  was  with  you,  would  be  to  direct  you 
to  him.  Lift  up  your  head  and  rejoice,  for  he  has  blessed 
you ;  he  has  called  you,  by  his  grace,  from  a  world  lying 
in  wickedness  ;  he  has  given  you  to  taste  of  his  goodness, 
and  is  bringing  you  to  himself.  Yes,  my  brother,  you 
are  peculiarly  favoured.  Why  are  you  called  into  the 
fold  of  his  love,  while  thousands  of  others  are  wandering 
without,  given  up  to  their  own  hearts'  lusts,  stumbling 
upon  the  dark  mountains?  My  dear  brother,  it  is  grace, 
rich  and  ever  adorable  grace  ;  it  is  for  his  own  name's 
sake  he  has  blessed  you ;  and  for  the  merits  of  a  dear, 
a  precious,  a  lovely,  and  glorious  Redeemer,  he  has  had 
compassion  on  you.  You  will  praise  him  and  serve  him 
for  it,  while  life,  below,  remains  ;  and  then  praise  him 
for  ever  in  the  family  above. 

For  oh  !  Eternity's  too  short 
To  utter  all  his  praise. 

"  The  path  of  the  just  shineth  more  and  more  unto  the 
perfect  day.  You  are  only  to  keep  near  the  throne  of 
your  Heavenly  Father,  and  he  will  bless  you,  and  kindly 
take  care  of  you.  Not  a  hair  of  your  head  shall  fall  to 
the  ground  without  his  knowledge.  He  will  love  you  ; 
he  will  keep  you  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand ;  he  will  cover 
you  with  his  wings,  and  in  his  shadow  shall  you  trust." 

"  My  dear  brother,  I  could  join  you  in  a  Hallelujah 
that  shall  last  for  ever.  This  is  one  of  the  happiest 
moments  of  my  life.  My  brother,  he  who  alone  remains 
to  me  of  my  dear  departed  mother,  and  who  is  the  helper 
and  solace  of  our  beloved  remaining  parent,  is  about  being 
gathered  into  the  sheep-fold  of  Jesus,  Perhaps  it  is  not 
best  I  should  be  present,  because  my  joy  would  be  too 
great.     Father  in  Heaven,  I  thank  thee  for  it.     Blessed 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  69 

spirit  of  the  departed,  look  down  and  let  it  add  to  your 
felicity,  to  see  the  only  remaining  of  your  offspring  about 
to  give  himself  up  to  Jesus.  This  is  what  you  have  prayed 
for  when  on  earth.  Now  it  is  our  prayer,  that  we  may 
in  sincerity  serve  our  God,  our  Father,  and  our  Redeemer 
here  below,  and  then  go  to  join  you  in  the  family  above. 
Yes,  my  brother,  when  our  spirits  shall  depart  to  the  celes- 
tial regions,  will  not  that  dear  spirit  join  the  angels  that 
come  to  meet  us,  and  welcome  us  to  those  scenes  of  glorious 
felicity,  where  saints  will  be  our  companions,  Jesus  present 
with  us  in  all  his  glory,  and  our  Heavenly  Father  the  light 
and  joy  of  all  ?" 

"  My  dear  brother,  only  look  to  our  Heavenly  Father, 
for  a  blessing  and  for  direction.  Go  to  him  in  humble 
prayer,  and  he  will  be  with  you,  and  will  bless  you.  Adieu. 
Remember  me  when  you  are  at  the  Table,  and  may  a  dou- 
ble portion  of  the  Divine  blessing  rest  upon  you. 

BENJ'N.  ALLEN,  Jk." 

I  feel  convinced  that  the  light  of  this  correspondence, 
for  which  I  have  so  much  cause  to  bless  my  God,  should  no 
longer  be  kept  in  obscurity.  The  more  I  examine  it,  the 
more  it  appears  to  me  adapted  to  general  usefulness.  Yea, 
from  the  first  actings  of  the  principle  of  spiritual  life  in  the 
soul,  the  fostering  hand  of  wisdom  and  love  are  here  dis- 
played, so  as  to  encourage  and  animate,  in  every  step  of  the 
humble  inquirer,  until  he  is  enabled  to  rejoice  in  hope  of 
the  glory  of  God. 


CHAPTER  V. 


THE    MODE    OF   CONDUCTING     HIS     TEMPORAL     AFFAIRS HIS 

HEALTH  FAILS BIRTH  OF  HIS  FIRST  SON— ^AND  THE  PUB- 
LICATION OF  HIS  THIRD,  FOURTH,  AND  FIFTH  VOLUME  OF 
POEMS. 

Early  in  1813,  T  was  again  separated  from  my  brother. 
He  continued  in  New- York,  and  I  entered  the  Academy  in 
Elizabeth-Town,  New  Jersey. 

The  sale  and  exchange  of  his  books,  necessarily  led  him 
to  frequent  intercourse  with  the  speculating  world.  He 
partook  so  much  of  their  spirit,  as  to  be  led  to  contract  for 
considerable  real  estate.  And  he  often  laboured  under 
much  pecuniary  embarrassment.  On  the  4th  of  January, 
1813,  a  judgment  was  entered  on  his  bond  which  he  had 
not  been  able  to  meet,  for  ^875,25.  I  am,  however,  gra- 
tified to  find  that  ^500  was  paid  on  the  1st  of  May,  and 
the  concern  m  as  settled  the  following  May. 

In  the  description  of  his  property  which  he  gave,  as 
bound  by  the  above  judgment,  he  specifies  eight  lots  of 
land  in  the  city  of  Hudson,  valued  at  ^1800.  Personal 
property,  mostly  in  books,  ^2800. 

To  this  estimate    is   annexed    the  following  note :    "  I 

would  give  Mr.  a  bond  and  warrant  on  the  above, 

provided  the  time  be  extended  to  four  months.  I  do  not 
doubt  my  ability  to  meet  the  sum  ere  the  sixty  days  expire, 
but  am  not  willing  to  place  myself  or  family  within  reach 
of  contingencies.  Yours,  B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  71 

Upwarils  of  S700  of  the  above   specified  claim,  arose 
from  the  printing  of  Doddridge's  Rise  and  Progress. 

He  also  engaged  in  a  speculation  with  Land  Warrants. 
Thus,  on  the  6th  of  June,  1813,  Henry  Brickley,  of  Phila- 
delphia, conveyed  to  him  thirteen  tracts  of  land  on  the  Sus- 
quehannah,  in  Nanticoke,  Luzerne  County,  Pennsylvania. 
These  facts  appear,  from  a  letter  addressed  by  my  brother 
to  Mr.  Mallery,  of  Wilkesbarre,  whom  he  applied  to  as  his 
counsel.  He  thus  closes  his  letter.  "  With  you.  Sir,  I 
wish  to  leave  it.  On  the  business  I  place  much  depend- 
ence for  furnishing  me  a  sufficiency  to  pursue  my  theolo- 
gical studies  in  quietude.  Enclosed  is  twenty  dollars. 
I  am,  Sir,  yours,  respectfully, 

BENJ'N.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

Some  time  after,  he  informed  me  that  he  had  engaged  a 
legal  friend  in  Philadelphia,  to  dispose  of  the  land  for  him. 

June  29th,  he  writes, 
"  I  found  that  the  four  thousand  acres  of  land,  which 
you  know  I  purchased  of  Mr.  B.,  is  in  a  fair  way  to  give 
me  from  five  to  fifteen  thousand  dollars  cash,  within  twelve 
months  :  so  that,  while  I  admire  the  goodness  of  our  Father 
in  thus  making  of  me  '  two  bands,'  I  begin  to  perceive  my 
duty  to  consist  in  retiring  more  from  business,  and  devot- 
ing my  time  to  closer  study.  Help  me  to  be  thankful." 
His  calculations  were  large  indeed.  In  fact,  I  do  not  dis- 
cover that  he  realized  any  thing  from  the  speculation. 

My  brother's  general  mode  of  conducting  his  concerns, 
was  to  exchange  his  own  publications  for  a  great  variety  of 
others,  and  then  dispose  of  those  among  his  friends, 
especially  his  fellow  students,  and  frequently  send  them  to 
auction.  In-  his  letter  to  me,  Feb'y.  9th,  he  observes,  "  I 
have,  through  the  blessing  of  Providence,  sold  three  hun- 
dred dollars  of  books  to  the  students  since  you  left ;  making 
in  all,  five  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  to  them,  besides 


72  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

more  ordered  and  not  yet  received." — Again,  "  February 
11th,  Do  you  not  see  the  bounties  of  our  Heavenly  Father's 
hand?" — "In  temporals,  he  is  much  blessing  me.  My 
sales  to  the  students  now  amount  to  seven  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars." 

His  engagements  were  indeed  numerous :  his  head,  his 
heart,  his  hands,  were  full  to  overflowing.  The  writing  and 
publication  of  his  poems,  (as  soon  as  one  was  in  press, 
another  would  be  in  preparation,) — the  time  and  labour 
necessarily  required  to  dispose  of  those  works  by  exchange 
and  otherwise ;  the  providing  for  his  family,  and  myself 
frequently  at  a  distance  from  him,  all  this,  in  connexion 
with  his  attention  to  the  lectures  and  the  general  course  of 
instruction  in  the  Seminary  of  Dr.  Mason,  was  well  designed 
to  undermine  his  frail  body.  It  was  by  peculiar  strength 
and  blessing  from  on  high,  that  he  was  so  long  upheld. 

After  I  had  remained  at  Elizabeth-Town  some  months, 
my  brother,  in  his  visit  to  Philadelphia,  having  received  so 
favourable  an  account  of  the  Academy  in  that  city  conducted 
by  Rev.  Dr.  Gray  and  Wylie,  was  induced  to  remove  me  to 
this  institution. 

In  July  he  took  his  wife  to  Hudson,  designing  there  to 
spend  his  vacation.  While  there,  he  was  not  idle.  Besides 
attending  to  his  general  concerns,  he  laboured  to  promote 
the  spiritual  improvement  of  the  inhabitants  of  his  native 
place. 

He  writes, —  "  Hudson,  July  26th. 

"  I  am  about  establishing  a  prayer-meeting  on  the  Hill, 
to  commence  next  week.  Pray  for  an  outpouring  on  this 
barren  rock. — Professors  here  are  cold  and  dead,  many  of 
them,  and  few  are  they  in  number.  Mr.  Chester  is  about 
establishing  an  assistant  Missionary  Society  here,  and  will 
undoubtedly  succeed.  He  is  catechising  the  children — a 
capital  omen." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  73 

Again,  "September  13th. 

"Our  evening  meetings  still  continue  at  the  Academy, 
and  are  well  attended." 

In  a  previous  letter,  August  14th,  after  mentioning  that 
some  of  his  acquaintances  were  inquiring,  he  observes, 
"  T  hope  all  these  drops  are  forerunners  of  a  shower.  Oh, 
that  they  might  be.  Pray  fervently  for  this  valley  of  dry 
bones.  Pray  that  its  professors  may  be  wrestling  Jacobs, 
and  prevailing  Israels." 

His  first  child  was  born  October  8th,  1813.— On  the  9th 
he  writes  to  me. 
"  Dear  Uncle  Thomas, — 

"  How  do  you  like  your  new  title  ? — Yesterday  we  were 
favoured  with  a  fine  little  boy." — "  I  pray  that  our  Heavenly 
Father  may  glorify  himself  with  it,  and  make  it  his.  May 
it  glorify  him  abundantly." 

Again,  "  October  25th. 

"We  have  named  the  little  one,  George  Fitch,  after  our 
friend  in  New- York.  I  hope  he  may  be  instrumental  in 
glorifying  his  Heavenly  Father  a  thousand  times  more  than 
ever  I  have  done." — Thus  it  is  evident,  that  his  sincere 
desire,  fervent  prayer,  and  continued  labour  was,  that  he 
might  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  his  Saviour,  in  all  things  ; 
and  not  only  to  consecrate  himself,  but  all  over  which  he 
had  control,  to  the  love  and  service  of  his  Heavenly  Father. 

My  brother  returned  to  New-York  the  last  of  October, 
or  the  first  of  November.  On  the  25th  of  October  he 
writes  me  in  anticipation  of  his  return.—"  Dr.  Mason's 
Lectures  commences  next  Monday  or  thereabouts.  I  look 
forward  with  much  pleasure  to  that  time.  The  delight  of 
New-York  Christian  society  and  preaching,  is  very  great." 
In  the  same  letter  he  observes — "  I  place  much  reliance  on 
the  products  of  a  Poem  which  goes  to  press  the  moment  I 
go  down,   almost.     It  celebrates   our   unparalleled   naval 


74  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

victories,  and  attempts  to  direct  the  attention  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States  to  gratitude  to  their  Maker." 

"  The  Poem  I  spoke  about  before,  will  probably  be  pub- 
lished between  now  and  next  summer,  with  my  name." 

Early  in  November,  he  published  his  Poem  with  this 
title,  "  Columbia's  Naval  Triumphs."  The  Poem  and  notes 
constitute  a  small  volume  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-two 
pages.  In  the  introduction  he  observes — "  The  names  of 
Pike,  Harrison,  Van  Rensselaer,  Croghan,  and  their  gallant 
compeers,  will  descend  to  posterity  with  eclat;  the  admi- 
ration and  gratitude  of  their  country,  will  never  cease  to 
attend  them,  so  long  as  patriotism  and  heroic  valour  are 
cherished  and  respected  ;  but  the  intention  being  to  include 
in  this  work  naval  triumphs  alone,  their  deeds  are  left  for 
some  future  attempt  at  celebration." 

The  following  are  extracts  of  this  work. — He  thus  com- 
mences. 

"  First  to  Jehovah  strike  the  sounding  praise  ! 
A  growing,  deep'ning,  note  of  glory  raise, 
To  Him  who  rules  the  sea,  the  earth,  the  sky, 
With  all  the  shining  myriads  on  high : 
Who  reigns  o'er  all,  eternal  and  alone. 
Infinity  the  bulwark  of  his  throne." 

In  a  note  he  observes—" '  They  that  trust  in  the  Lord, 
are  like  Mount  Zion,  which  shall  never  be  moved.'  If  a 
man  be  satisfied,  on  proper  inquiry,  that  duty  impels  him 
to  the  scene  of  danger,  he  may  go  without  fear.  A  trust 
in  the  Lord  supposes  an  inquiry  concerning  what  is  duty, 
and  a  sincere  desire  to  perform  it." 

After  celebrating  the  diiferent  victories  obtained  by  our 
Navy  over  the  English  vessels,  he  describes  the  scene  on 
Lake  Erie. — When  all  things  are  prepared  for  the  contest, 
he  thus  proceeds — 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  75 

"  With  anxious  soul,  Britannia  waits  the  fight  ; 

Thron'd  'mid  the  forests  of  a  neighb'ring  height. 

Columbia,  brigM,  with  Freedom  at  her  side, 

Sits  on  a  cloud  above  the  rolling  tide  ; 

She  to  her  Heavenly  Father  breathes  her  prayer 

And  seeks  the  aid  which  those  who  serve  him  share." 

In  a  note  referring  to  this  passage,  he  says — "  The  day 
before  this  battle  was  a  clay  of  fasting,  humiliation,  and 
prayer,  throughout  the  United  States,  by  appointment  of  the 
President.  When  such  are  the  weapons  resorted  to,  well 
may  we  expect  success.  Prayer  is  more  mighty,  than  mil- 
lions of  soldiers." 

He  closes  the  poem  with  a  reference  to  the  Christian 
triumph. 

"  Acknowledge  Him  who  rules  the  host  above. 
And  to  his  glory  give  your  warmest  love ! 
'  A  Christian  is  the  highest  style  of  man  :' 
Where  other  titles  end,  this  name  began." 

"  Let  him  upon  the  rock  of  ages  rest — 

His  soul  shall  be  with  heavenly  valour  blest ! 

"  Who  would  obtain  a  never-dying  fame, 

And  bid  tlie  world  resound  his  honour'd  name — 

Let  him  repose  his  trust  in  Him  who  reigns, 

Amid  the  hosts  of  the  celestial  plains  ! 

Unto  Jehovah-Jesus  let  him  raise 

The  prayer  of  faith — the  grateful  song  of  praise  ! 

To  such  a  soul  the  wo  of  death  is  naught: 

Its  fiercest  blow  is  with  pure  rapture  fraught ;" 

"  Eternity  unfolds  perpetual  joy, 

And  growing  grandeurs  shine  without  alloy  :" 

"  Seraphic  guardians  ever  round  him  wait. 
And  bear  him  safely  on  the  brink  of  fate. — 
He  treads  on  earth  a  bright  and  blissful  road, 
Then  rises  to  the  bosom  of  his  God." 


76  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Annexed  to  his  bill  for  printing  of  the  above  Poem,  is 
also  a  charge  for  printing  two  thousand  copies  of  Rush's 
Thermometer.  Thus  by  every  means  he  is  seeking  to  do 
good  to  his  fellow  men. 

As  might  well  have  been  anticipated,  his  labours  proved 
too  much  for  his  frail  body.  On  the  8th  of  December,  he 
writes  to  me — "  My  health  is  so  delicate,  that  I  am  obliged 
to  withdraw  from  the  Seminary  for  a  while.  I  am  very 
much  debilitated  by  too  close  application.  Dr.  Mason 
advises  me  to  stop  all  my  studies  until  I  get  well.  Hard 
study  does  not  agree  with  me." 

Still  bent  upon  usefulness,  he,  about  this  time,  perhaps 
before,  became  very  much  engaged  in  the  organization  and 
conducting  of  some  benevolent  Society. 

I  think  it  probable  that  the  following  extract  refers  to  it, 
though  at  an  earlier  period. 

"May  20th,  1813. 

"  I  am  attempting  to  form  a  Society  to  raise  money  for 
the  support  of  young  men  to  the  Gospel  ministry,  and 
expect  to  succeed.     Pray  for  it,  and  us." 

Again,  he  writes —  "  September  13th. 

"  You  remember  the  little  Society  in  New-York  ;  Mr. 
Fitch  has  given  it  S5000  ! !  Now  let  us  never  be  discoui'- 
aged,  but  do  what  duty  bids,  nothing  doubting." 

As  my  brother  was  by  his  indisposition  constrained  to 
relinquish  his  studies  in  a  great  measure,  his  active  soul 
would  not  long  permit  him  to  remain  without  seeking  a 
new  field  of  labour,  where,  while  reaping  some  pecuniary 
advantage,  he  could  promote  the  restoration  of  his  health, 
and  do  good  to  man. 

Such  a  field  was  soon  presented;  and  on  the  13th  of 
December  we  find  him  entering  into  articles  of  agreement 
with  the  firm  of  Dodge  and  Sayre,  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
to  obtain  subscribers  for  Scott's  Family  Bible,  which  they 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  77 

were  then  publishing.  They  engaged  to  give  him  eight 
per  cent,  on  the  amount  of  subscription  obtained  within  the 
city,  and  twelve  and  a  half  per  cent,  on  the  amount 
obtained  out  of  the  city  of  New- York  ;  said  allowance  was 
to  be  paid  as  follows :  viz. — one  half  in  cash  on  obtaining 
the  said  subscription  ;  and  the  other  half  in  cash  at  the  end 
of  three  years  from  January  1st,  1814,  or  in  books  at 
twenty  per  cent,  discount  from  the  usual  retail  prices,  at 
any  time  after  obtaining  the  said  subscription. 

Two  days  after  entering  into  the  above  agreement,  he 
writes  to  me  in  Philadelphia,  and  endeavours  to  enlist  me 
in  the  same  cause.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  his 
letter — 

"New- York,  December  15th,  1813. 

"  I  have  been  fearing  lest  your  health  might  give  way  to 
the  application  necessary  in  your  Seminary,  and  have  there- 
fore been  calculating  for  it."  "  During  my  being  unwell, 
I  propose  spending  some  time  in  going  about  the  country 
and  spreading  Mr.  Dodge's  edition  of  Scott's  Bible.  It  is 
doing  good,  gaining  my  health,  and  making  money.  In 
getting  the  subscriptions,  I  have  the  aid  and  good  wishes 
of  all  Christians.  I  have  had  thoughts  of  calling  you  to 
assist  for  a  while  in  the  business,  thinking  it  would  restore 
your  health.  R."  who  "  is  studying  Divinity  in  Prince- 
ton, has  gained  a  large  number  of  subscribers  in  New- 
Jersey,  and  made  himself  about  one  thousand  dollars  in  six 
weeks,  besides  doing  much  good.  His  success  caused  me 
to  engage,  and,  now  your  health  is  feeble,  you  had  better 
engage  by  all  means,  until  you  get  well,  and  then  we  will 
find  some  advantageous  place  where  you  may  pursue  your 
studies."  "  As  Dr.  Mason  tells  me  we  must  not  abuse  our 
bodies,  we  must  not  drive  our  health  ;  if  we  do,  we  shall 
soon  be  obliged  to  give  up  our  studies  entirely.  You  want 
some  time  to  recruit.  Write  me  immediately,  what  you 
think  of  taking  a  ramble  in  the  country  on  this  business. 

H 


78  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

I  think  you  will  be  very  useful  in  this  Bible  business,  to 
the  great  cause,  and  you  will  regain  your  health.  You 
now  feel  feeble  and  that  makes  you  despond.  Mr.  Dodge 
wants  to  engage  you  very  much.  You  had  better  stop 
school  for  the  present." 

I  complied  with  my  brother's  request,  and  left  Philadel- 
phia early  in  January,  1814.  After  arriving  in  New- York, 
I  engaged  to  take  his  contract  with  Dodge  and  Sayre,  so 
far  as  it  related  to  obtaining  subscribers  out  of  the  city. 
Under  his  direction,  I  immediately  commenced  my  labours 
in  connexion  with  Scott's  Bible.  My  first  efforts  were  in 
Elizabethtown,  New- Jersey ;  from  thence  I  branched  out 
into  many  of  the  towns  in  the  interior ;  Springfield,  Morris- 
town,  Rockaway,  &c. 

In  this  blessed  work,  I  was  occupied  three  or  four 
months.  I  obtained  two  hundred  and  seventy  subscribers 
to  Scott's  Bible,  and  realized  as  my  per  cent.  ^'902:25. 
This  amount  I  permitted  my  brother  to  draw  from  Dodge 
and,  Sayre,  as  he  saw  proper.  It  must  have  afforded  him 
important  aid.  He  had  been  advancing  for  my  expenses, 
from  October,  1811,  and  I  was  indebted  to  him  about  S500. 
Thus  he  had  refunded  to  him,  the  full  amount  advanced, 
and  retained  under  his  control  more  than  sufficient  to 
cover  all  my  subsequent  expenses  until  I  was  enabled  to 
provide  for  myself.  In  our  temporal  concerns,  how  truly 
were  we  blessed  of  Heaven,  besides  being  instrumental  of 
distributing  that  uscftil,  that  invaluable  work,  among  so 
many  souls,  who  may  for  ever  praise  the  God  of  all  grace  for 
the  saving  boon. 

I  cannot  ascertain  to  what  extent  my  brother  proceeded 
in  this  work.  However,  as  I  was  occupied  in  the  country, 
he  confined  his  efforts,  I  believe,  chiefly  within  the  city.  I 
presume  he  did  not  accomplish  much  in  this  work,  as  his 
mind  was  given  to  other  objects  ;  and  the  necessary  labour 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  79 

in  circulating  one,  and  preparing  for  the  speedy  publication 
of  one,  if  not  two  other  volumes  of  Poems,  must  have  con- 
sumed the  greater  portion  of  his  time. 

He  writes —  "  March  14th. 

"  I  am  writing  an  Eastern  Tale,  in  the  Walter  Scott 
style,  on  the  death  of  an  Arabian,  who  was  converted  to 
Christianity,  and  suffered  martyrdom.  It  is  taken  from  the 
story  of  Abdallah  and  Sabat,  who  are  spoken  of  in  Bucha- 
nan's Star  in  the  East." 

Again,  he  says —  "  April  12th. 

"I  have  finished  my  Abdallah  Poem." 

About  the  first  of  May,  he  commenced  keeping  house  in 
New-York.  His  views  and  prospects  on  this  occasion,  are 
expressed  in  a  letter  to  me,  dated — 

"  New- York,  April  12th,  1814. 
"  We  are  going  to  housekeeping.  I  have  taken  a  delight- 
ful two-story  brick  house.  No.  493  Broadway.  There  we 
have  the  country  air,  and  charming  prospects."  "  My 
health  will  be  much  better  there  than  here,  down  town. 
We  begin  the  1st  of  May,  or  a  little  before.  Partly  on  your 
account  is  it,  that  I  have  taken  a  house.  I  want  you  to 
have  a  home — and  I  want  you  with  me.  The  success  we 
are  both  meeting  with,  will  enable  us  to  get  along  easily 
with  the  expense.  There  we  shall  be  out  of  the  way  of 
many  temptations,  and  be  able  to  have  family  exercises  as 
we  wish.  The  expense  will  be  about  the  same  as  for  us  all 
to  board  out,  and  we  shall  take  much  more  comfort.  Our 
father  can  be  with  us.  What  good  effect  may  not  result 
from  this  ?  It  is  time  I  was  settled  some  where.  I  shall 
not  spend  so  much  as  running  about.  And  I  find  it  much, 
very  much  to  my  advantage,  to  be  in  a  city  on  account  of 
my  publications,  &;c.  Another  year,  I  may  perhaps  take  a 
house  a  mile  or  two  farther  out  of  town  for  the  sake  of 
garden,  country  scenery,  &c.     We  have  reserved  a  room 


80  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

for  you  as  a  study  and  bedroom.  Whenever  you  cease  col- 
lecting subscribers,  you  can  pursue  your  studies  under  my 
roof.  Ever  your's,  B.  ALLEN,  Jk." 

The  date  of  my  brother's  fourth  volume  of  Poems,  is 
April,  1814. 

The  copyright  was  purchased  from  him  by  Abraham 
Inskeepe,  by  whom  it  was  published.  The  following  is  the 
title, — "  Urania,  or  the  True  Use  of  Poesy,  a  Poem,  by 
B.  Allen,  Jr."  It  is  dedicated  to  the  Rev.  John  B.  Ro- 
meyn,  D.  D. 

The  object  of  the  work  is  displayed  in  the  preface,  from 
which  we  make  the  following  extracts. 

"  Duty  demands  that  every  thought,  word,  and  action, 
should  have  the  glory  of  God  for  its  ultimate  object.  Nor 
is  it  less  than  criminal,  to  make  use  of  any  other  than  a 
pure  and  correct  mode  in  pursuing  that  object.  The  maxim 
that  '  the  end  sanctifies  the  means,'  is  the  offspring  of 
satan,  not  the  dictate  of  the  Holy  One.'" — "  This  being 
manifest  in  every  page,  both  of  nature  and  of  revelation, 
it  must  be  obvious  to  all,  that  no  man  has  an  exclusive 
authority  over  his  own  talent.  It  is  the  property  of  Jehovah  ; 
and  of  its  use,  He  will  require  a  strict  account." 

"  Men  of  genius  are  peculiarly  liable,  from  the  intoxication 
of  applause,  and  the  apparent  brilliancy  of  the  world's  fame, 
to  forget  the  grand  end  to  which  their  powers  should  be 
directed."  "  But  the  law  of  duty  still  remains  as  imperious 
in  its  requisition,  as  unimpeached  in  its  certainty,  as  un- 
bending in  its  threats,  and  as  boundless  in  its  promise,  as 
when  originally  promulgated." 

"  It  is  the  object  of  this  work  to  show,  that  poetry  should 
be  subservient  to  that  law  ;  and  that  it  is  the  duty  of  poets, 
as  well  as  of  men  of  plain  sense,  not  to  bury  their  talent 
in  a  napkin,  nor  to  lend  it  to  the  arch  adversary." 

"  Men  mighty  in  literature,  have  declared  that  religious 


REV.   BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  81 

subjects  are  improper  for  the  bard  :  but  One  mightier  than 
they  has  promulgated  much  of  His  revelation  in  poetry, 
and  has  declared  religion  to  be  the  only  object  worthy  of 
man's  serious  consideration." 

"  Let  the  poet  draw  nature  ;  but  let  him  do  it  with  an 
eye  to  nature's  God.  Let  him  represent  creation  as  it 
actually  is,  a  handmaid  to  revelation.  Whenever  he  gives 
a  portraiture  of  any  landscape,  he  will  show  its  beauties 
beaming  glory  to  the  Deity  ;  lifting  the  thought  to  him 
who  made.  He  will  find  from  the  stream,  from  the  grove  ; 
from  the  rock,  from  the  mount;  from  the  forest,  from  the 
field,  a  voice  constantly  issuing,  directing  man  to  adore  the 
author  of  all  bounty." 

"  How  awful  is  the  responsibility  of  the  true  poet !  In 
his  hands  are  the  keys  of  the  passions ;  and  he  may  unlock 
their  powers,  and  give  a  tendency  to  their  operations,  cen- 
turies after  his  body  has  tenanted  the  sepulchre.  Besides, 
he  is  accountable  for  use,  as  well  as  abuse ;  and  neglect  of 
doing  as  much  good  as  he  might,  is  punishable,  as  well  as 
being  efficient  in  the  service  of  evil  " 

"  Poetry  is  a  most  important  gift.  Its  influence  is  almost 
unbounded.  How  many  hearts  are  roused  by  its  fire  ; 
melted  by  its  pathos  ;  delighted  by  its  imagery  !"  "  Com- 
pare the  influence  of  Shakspeare  and  Newton,  and,  ag 
more  are  guided  by  passion  than  by  reason,  we  cannot  hesi- 
tate in  deciding  whose  is  most  mighty  in  power,  or  sure  in 
effect.  Newton  has  illumined  the  empire  of  science,  but 
Shakspeare  has  usurped  the  empire  of  the  heart.  The  influ- 
ence of  Newton  has  to  find  its  way  to  the  heart,  through  the 
cold  region  of  the  understanding,  while  that  of  Shakspeare 
pours  its  whole  power  directly  upon  the  feelings."  "  When 
we  reflect  on  the  total  departure  of  Shakspeare  from  evan- 
gelical principle,  how  painful  is  it  to  think  of  the  tremen- 
dous mass  of  evil  caused  by  his  writings  !" 
h2 


82  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Shall  poetry  be  for  ever  degraded  to  the  vilest  sub- 
jects?" "Songs  of  true  joy  are  heard  in  Heaven  :  Why 
will  not  the  poet  attempt  to  imitate  them?  Crowned  with 
an  exuberance  of  infinite  lustre,  Redemption  awaits  his 
gaze  ;  why  will  he  persist  in  neglecting  it  ?" 

"The  end  of  poetry  is  said  to  be,  to  please  :  What  so 
pleasing  to  mortality,  as  the  news  of  resurrection  ?  What  to 
pain,  as  the  view  of  Heaven?  What  to  ennui,  as  celestial 
employ?  What  to  grief,  as  the  balm  of  Gi  lead  ?" 

"  Where  is  such  a  boundless  excellence  open  to  poesy 
as  in  the  Gospel  ?  Surely  no  where.  In  that,  every  source 
of  pleasure  is  refined  and  blessed." 

"  It  is  grateful  to  reflect,  that,  amid  the  general  licen- 
tiousness of  poetry,  we  may  discover  such  chrystal  purity  as 
beams  from  the  writings  of  Young,  Cowper,  and  Watts. 
Watts,  especially,  was  deeply  imbued  with  the  evangelical 
temper :  his  numbers  breathe  the  sweetness  of  the  skies. 
I  had  rather  have  the  death-bed  thoughts  of  Watts,  than  all 
the  fame  of  all  the  heroes  that  ever  descended  from  Adam. 
How  many  millions  of  infant  minds  have  been  imbued  with 
the  pure  spirit  of  Heaven,  through  the  medium  of  his 
verses  ?  How  many,  that,  in  mature  age,  have  found  them 
still  in  their  recollection,  a  guide  and  a  comfort !  How 
many  that  have  breathed  their  spirit  into  eternity  with  a 
portion  of  them  in  their  voice  !" 

"  Let  my  writings,  like  those  of  Watts,  be  but  grateful 
to  the  humble  Christian  in  his  retired  cottage,  and  I  shall 
esteem  it  nobler  praise  than  if  they  were  hung  in  letters  of 
gold  in  every  senate-house  in  the  universe." 

With  a  reference  to  usefulness,  I  have  given  a  large 
extract  from  this  preface.     The  work  thus  commences — 

"  Sweet  Poesy  !  fair  child  of  pure  delight ! 
Born  and  matur'd  in  realms  with  glory  bright : 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  83 

By  Seraphim  and  Cherubim  belov'd ; 

Thy  rich,  melodious  song  by  God  approv'd  : — 

How  art  thou  lost  in  an  ignoble  aim, 

Folly  to  please,  and  Vice  to  guard  from  shame !" 

"When  bold  in  grandeur,  at  Supreme  command, 
Creation  rose  beneath  its  Maker''s  hand, 
Sounding  sublime  from  glowing  minstrelsy, 
Thy  allehijahs  fiU'd  the  spreading  sky." 

"  In  ancient  days,  when  prophecy  alone, 
With  clouded  light,  on  mental  vision  shone, 
The  sons  of  men  from  Seraphs  caught  thy  glow. 
And  with  its  blissful  numbers  sooth'd  their  wo." 

"  And  when  Jehovah-Jes\is  came  to  save 

Rebellious  man  from  ruin  and  the  grave; 

When  He  who  is  the  source  of  endless  day 

His  glory  shrouded  in  a  veil  of  clay  ; 

The  angel-choir  a  gratulation  sung, 

While  Heaven,  responsive  with  the  anthem  rung." 

"  But  now  thy  high-born  powers  their  grandeur  waste, 
To  please  a  sickly,  a  degraded  taste  : 
Lascivious  song  to  grateful  strains  succeeds — 
Celestial  flowers  give  place  to  earthly  weeds." 

His  grateful  soul  thus  breaks  forth  in  a  song  of  praise  to 
the  blessed  Redeemer — 

"  Jesus,  delightful  theme  !  demands  the  song 
Which  seraph  harps  in  harmony  prolong. 
To  Him  we  owe  the  fruitful  earth,  the  skies, 
With  all  the  hopes  that  in  our  prospect  rise  : 
He  spreads  the  carpet  of  yon  fertile  field; 
He  bids  the  various  vale  its  beauties  yield  ; 
By  his  command  the  sun  dispenses  day, 
And  the  mild  moon,  her  gentler,  softer  ray  : 
He  pour'd  the  stars  throughout  yon  vast  abyss  ; 
His  are  the  several  worlds  of  wo  and  bliss  : 
He,  boundless  goodness  !  never  can  the  praise 
Which  the  pure  songs  of  ransom'd  myriads  raise  ; 


84  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Which  angel-millions  celebrate  with  lyres, 
Wak'd  by  the  fervour  of  devotion's  fires  ; 
Though,  through  eternity  its  numbers  swell. 
The  breadth,  the  height  of  this  deep  mercy  tell — 
Open'd  the  fountain  of  the  Father's  grace, 
And  bade  it  flow  to  bless  our  rebel  race  ; 
Came  down  to  earth — His  glory  laid  aside — 
And  to  effect  our  great  salvation — died  ! 
His  arm  unbinds  the  sin-oppressed  soul — 
Glories  immortal  o'er  her  vision  roll ; 
To  everlasting  Heav'n,  He  bids  her  soar. 
And  thro'  eternity,  her  God  adore." 

In  the  following  lines,  he  refers  to  the  circumstances  of 
the  death  of  our  uncle  Mann,  who,  as  before  mentioned, 
{see  page  28)  was  drowned  in  crossing  the  Hudson  River. 

"Oh,  that  thy  billows,  so  serenely  clear, 
Should  once  to  excellence  have  prov'd  a  bier  ! 
But  from  that  bier  the  spirit  took  its  flight, 
To  dwell  in  mansions  of  eternal  light : — 
While  Christian  worth  is  on  thy  shores  approv'd, 
The  memory  of  Mann,  will  be  belov'd." 

He  would  continually  lead  us  to  look  through  nature  up 
to  nature's  God. 

"  View'd  in  itself,  a  blade  of  grass  is  small : 
View'd  as  the  work  of  Him  who  governs  all. 
It  opes  a  world  of  vision  on  the  soul ; 
It  makes  eternity  before  her  roll. 
Thus  he  who  gazes  with  a  careless  mind, 
On  the  bright  beauties  in  a  landscape  joined, 
Sees  not  their  excellence,  feels  not  their  worth. 
His  stupor  binds  his  vision  to  the  earth  ; 
While  the  rapt  soul  who  looks  with  joy  abroad, 
And  marks  in  all,  the  glory  of  his  God, 
Tastes  the  pure  happiness  to  angels  giv'n — 
Anticipates  the  blessedness  of  Heav'n.^' 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  85 

The  noon-day  splendour  of  the  Gospel  also  excites  his 
muse. 

♦'And  see  !  the  morn  of  the  millennial  day 
Already  gilds  the  mountains  with  its  ray  ! 
Dark  India's  border  brightens  in  its  beam ; 
The  isles  grow  radiant  in  its  golden  stream  ; 
Afric  revives;  her  sable  sons  rejoice  ; 
Glad  allelujahs  warble  in  their  voice." 

*'  Soon  shall  we  hear  a  shout  of  praise  arise, 

Whose  deepening  thunder  shall  ascend  the  skies  : 

Asia's  loud  voice  with  Afric's  will  combine, 

And  they  with  Europe  and  Columbia  join. 

Swelling  the  song  of  glory  to  the  Lamb — 

The  glad  hosanna  to  the  true  I  AM. 

Then  will  the  Heav'ns  rejoice,  the  angels  sing, 

And  all  creation  allelujahs  bring  : 

Judgment  will  slumber  in  Jehovah's  hand, 

And  boundless  blessings  flow  to  every  land : 

No  more  will  pestilence  with  angry  glare, 

Scatter  the  seeds  of  death  along  the  air  : 

Ocean,  from  whelming  desolation  free, 

A  path  of  peace  and  happiness  shall  be  : 

From  pole  to  pole  a  paradise,  the  earth 

Will  give  to  nought  but  bloom  and  blessing  birth  !" 

"  When  the  glad  morn  of  the  millennial  day. 
Already  gilds  the  mountains  with  its  ray. 
When  Heav'n  prepares  to  sound  in  deepest  tone 
The  praise  of  Him  who  comes  in  judgment  down  ; 
Say  !  does  the  poet  want  for  glowing  themes  ] 
Need  he  descend  to  feeble,  fabled  dreams. 
Of  wild  distemper'd  fancy  ?  Let  his  lyre 
Strike  to  the  notes  which  bless  the  angel-choir ! 
Let  him  Redemption  sing  !  and  let  his  soul 
Bathe  in  the  glories  which  around  her  roll !" 

"When  David  held  the  soul-consoling  lyre 
With  heart  enkindled  by  celestial  fire. 


86  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

He  sung'  the  goodness  of  the  God  above — 
He  sung  the  blessings  of  redeeming  love: 
Rapture  unfolds  its  treasure  in  his  page 
And  light  breaks  thence  to  man  in  every  age  ; 
His  numbers  show,  to  wanderers  forlorn, 
Where  beams  the  beauty  of  th'  eternal  morn ; 
And  in  luxuriant  elegance  display 
The  radiant  tenor  of  the  Christian's  way." 

"  Who  can  portray  the  line  with  wonders  fraught, 

Which  springs  from  blest  Isaiah's  blissful  thought ; 

Whether  in  burning  majesty  he  shows 

A  Godhead  taking  vengeance  on  his  foes  ; 

Or,  in  the  beauty  of  celestial  lays. 

Unfold  the  charities  of  Gospel  days  : 

Whether,  array'd  in  uncreated  light. 

From  Bozrah  comes  the  Saviour  in  his  might ; 

Or,  dropping  dews  of  gentleness  and  peace, 

He  bids  the  sorrows  of  his  people  cease  V 

After  taking  a  view  of  the  various  heathen  poets,  he 
shows  the  superior  bliss  of  the  most  "  humble  Christian," 
and  thence  his  mind  is  naturally  led  to  the  peculiar  excel- 
lence of  the  Holy  Scriptures.  He  thus  speaks  of  the  sta- 
bility of  these  truths. 

"  Around  the  Holy  Word  a  storm  has  rav'd. 
Fierce  as  the  blast,  Norwegia's  cliffs  have  brav'd ; 
All  the  dark  horrors  hatred  could  array. 
Have  strove  to  blot  its  clear,  resplendent  day ; 
The  darts  of  hell  on  every  part  have  shower'd. 
And  satan's  boldest  rage  in  tempests  lower'd ; — 
Like  the  third  Heav'ns,  divinely  bright  it  shines, 
Flashing  dismay  on  all  opposing  minds. — 
Eternity  will  keep  its  every  page, 
Unhurt  and  sacred,  to  its  latest  age." 

He  thus  notices  Watts  and  other  Christian  Poets. 

"  Celestial  Watts  !  Thy  unadult'rate  lay, 
May  hope  to  win  the  wicked  from  his  way. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  87 

So  pure,  and  so  harmonious  thy  song, 
Such  joy  luxurious  thy  notes  prolong-, 
Sure  by  some  guardian  angel  warbling  near — 
Some  seraph  wand'ring  from  a  higher  sphere, 
The  bland  and  blissful  melody  was  given, 
To  faith  a  foretaste  of  the  sweets  of  Heav'n." 

"  See  pious  Cowper  wisdom's  numbers  trace. 
With  resignation  mild,  and  winning  grace ; 
The  Gilead  balm,  so  soothing  to  his  wo — 
Whose  healing  unction  waits  for  all  below, 
Sweetly  he  celebrates ;  with  feeling  known 
To  Christian  sensibility  alone." 

"  With  lofty  verse  and  energy  sublime, 
Young  soars  afar,  beyond  the  flight  of  time; 
Through  scenes  etherial  takes  his  boundless  way. 
And  bathes  his  vision  in  the  blaze  of  day." 

The  following  is  too  reviving  a  cordial  to  be  withheld 
from  the  humble  Christian. 

Omniscience  guards  with  a  peculiar  care. 

The  soul  who  breathes  in  humble  hymn  and  prayer, 

Glory  to  Him  for  every  blessing  giv'n ; — 

Glory  to  Him  for  all  the  hopes  of  Heav'n. 

His  faith  is  pledg'd  to  guard  them  on  their  way 

To  the  effiilgence  of  eternal  day : 

His  faith  is  pledg'd  to  comfort  them  with  peace, 

To  fill  their  lot  with  a  Divine  increase, 

Of  every  good  can  minister  to  bliss — 

Of  every  happiness  can  speak  them  His." 

1  take  leave  of  this  volume,  by  presenting  the  following 
"  Prayer." 

"  '  Father  of  light  and  life  !  Thou  good  supreme !' 
Thou  art  the  guardian  of  my  every  hour ; 

Thy  praise  shall  be  my  everlasting  theme ; 
To  thee  I  dedicate  my  every  power." 


§8  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Help  me  to  love  thee  with  a  Seraph's  flame ; 

And  to  adore  thee  with  a  Cherub's  fire : 
Let  my  rapt  soul  in  notes  sublime  acclaim, 

And  ever  to  sublimer  notes  aspire." 

My  brother's  muse  was  again  aroused,  by  the  arrival 
of  the  intelligence  of  the  capture  of  our  Frigate  Essex, 
commanded  by  Capt.  D.  Porter,  in  the  harbour  of  Val- 
paraiso. 

In  August,  his  work  of  thirty-eight  pages  appeared,  with 
this  title — "  'I'he  Phoenix,  or  the  Battle  of  Valparaiso,  a 
Poem  by  B.  Allen,  Jr.,  New-York,  1814." 

The  following  is  the  dedication  : 

"  To  Col.  Henry  Rutgers^  whose  character  displays  the 
graces  of  the  Christian,  and  the  fire  of  the  Patriot — whose 

'  Gray  hairs  are  a  crown  of  glory,' 

These  lines  are  reverently  dedicated  by  the  author. 
New-York,  August  8th,  1814." 

His  views  and  prospects  are  expressed  in  his  letter 
to  me — 

June,  27th, 
"  Dear  Thomas, — 

"  Long  enough  have  I  lived  at  loose  ends.  My  first 
object  now  is,  to  try  to  pay  all  my  debts,  and  be  clear  of 
the  world.  This,  with  the  blessing  of  Providence,  I  can 
do.  Pray  for  me  that  I  may  be  blest  in  this.  Next,  my 
inquiry  will  be,  how,  and  where  I  can  most  glorify — whether 
sitting  down  in  snug  retirement  in  the  country,  and  nursing 
my  health,  and  using  my  pen,  or  elsewhere. 

"  Your's  ever, 

B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

In  July,  he  actually  entered  into  contract  to  publish  the 
works  of  the  Rev.  John  Owen,  D.  D.,  or  as  many  of  them 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  89 

as  the  public  would  sanction  by  their  patronage.  He  de- 
signed commencing  with  about  twelve  volumes,  and  the 
edition  to  consist  of  one  thousand  five  hundred  copies. 
This  plan  he  finally  relinquished,  and  the  work  was,  I  be- 
lieve, published  afterwards  in  New-England. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

PUBLICATION    OF   HIS  SIXTH  AND   LAST  VOLU31E    OF   POEMS 

HE  JOINS  THE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH REMOVES  TO  THE  STATE 

OF  VIRGINIA. 

In  September,  1814,  my  brother's  sixth  volume  of  Poems 
appeared,  with  this  title — "  The  Death  of  Abdallah,  an  East- 
ern Tale,  founded  on  the  story  of  Abdallah  and  Sabat,  in 
Buchanan's  Christian  Researches." 

The  following  is  the  dedication. 

"To  George  Fitch,  Esq.  Whose  prosperity  was  a  bless- 
ing to  society  ;  whose  adversity  is  a  glory  to  himself,  this 
Poem  is  respectfully  dedicated  by  the  author." 

The  subject  which  thus  last  excites  his  muse,  serves  as  a 
suitable  apology  for  the  abandonment  of  that  field  of  fancy, 
and  forms  an  excellent  prelude  to  his  more  important  labours 
in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel. 

In  the  introduction  he  observes — "  The  story  of  Abdallah 
and  Sabat,  is  so  well  known  to  those  who  take  an  interest 
in  missionary  exertions,  that  it  needs  no  recitation  here. 
The  author's  object  is  to  quicken  attention  to  the  spread  of 
the  Gospel.  How  far  he  may  succeed  in  the  attainment 
of  that  object,  is  for  a  higher  power  than  himself  to  deter- 
mine." 

"  Assuredly,  there  is  no  object  more  interesting,  than  the 
Christian  Missionary  bidding  adieu  to  home  and  friendship, 
and  entering  on  the  pathless  wilderness,  takmg  up  his  abode 
among  savages,  solely  to  win  them  to  the  ways  of  happiness. 
There  are,  undoubtedly,  some  among  their  fellow  men,  who 
look  on  such  missionaries  as  fanatics  and  unwise,  but  it  is 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  91 

enough  for  them  that  they  are  fellow  labourers  with  angels, 
and  the  favourites  of  Heaven." 

A  few  extracts  from  the  Poem  are  given  with  reference 
to  its  evangelical  spirit. 

Abdallah  speaking  of  the  influence  of  the  Bible  upon  his 
heart,  observes, — 

"  I  ponder'd  o'er  its  wond'rous  page, 
Soon  did  its  power  my  soul  engage ; 
But  when  of  the  Redeemer's  love 
It  told,  and  pointed  me  above. 
Where  on  a  Father's  throne  he  dwells. 
And  doubt  from  praying  minds  dispels, 
Like  lightning  thro'  a  sable  cloud 

Divine  conviction  came — 
I  sought  the  all-atoning  blood ; 
My  heart  to  God  the  healer  bow'd ; 

My  spirit  was  in  flame." 

"  At  length  the  Saviour  whisper'd  peace. 
And  gave  me  from  my  doubts  release : 
Then  happy  was  the  morning  ray — 

Happy  the  fading  eve. 
My  soul  was  blissful  day  by  day. 
Rejoicing  in  the  Gospel  way ; 

Then  hope  began  to  live." 

"  Oil  bliss  beyond  expression  sweet, 

The  Christian  spirit  knows. 
When,  at  the  dear  Redeemer's  feet. 

He  gives  all  fear  repose !" 

After  Abdallah  had  embraced  the  Christian  religion,  and 
was  fleeing  from  his  friends  in  consequence,  he  is  thus 
introduced. 

"  Wealth  has  he  left;  and  friends  and  fame; 
To  infamy  has  sunk  his  name. 
With  every  Moslem  son; 


92  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

What  comfort  can  his  course  betide 
Along  the  frowning  mountain's  side, 
A  solitary  one  ! 

Divine  Immanuel's  Gilead  balm 
Breathes  on  his  soul  its  blessed  charm : 
Communion  with  the  God  of  love 
Exalts  his  hopes  and  joys  above : 
His  mind  is  luU'd  in  sweet  repose, 
And  a  celestial  vigour  knows." 

As  the  rapt  soul  of  the  convert  surveys  the  spiritual  de- 
solation around,  the  following  pious  aspirations  flow  from 
his  bosom — 

"  When  shall  the  Gospel  promises 
Gild  with  their  Heav'n  descended  bliss, 

The  moral  midnight  of  this  land "! 
When  shall  the  darkness  break  away  ? 
When  shall  arise  the  morning  ray, 

Obedient  to  Divine  command  1" 

"  Roll  on  rich  hour  of  light  and  love  !" 

"  Speed,  cov'nant  angel !  speed  thy  flight ! 
Unrol  the  Gospel  banner  bright ; 
Sound  thy  loud  trumpet," 

"  Till,  waken'd  by  the  mighty  sound, 
India  aspires  to  op'ning  Heaven, 
Blest  with  the  grace  by  Jesus  giv'n  !" 

Among  the  miscellaneous  pieces,  is  the  following  breath- 
ing of  my  brother's  soul,  with  which  I  close  the  extracts : — 

"Oh,  God  my  guardian,  God  my  guide, 
Ever  may  I  with  thee  reside ; 
And  praise  thy  name,  and  bless  thy  love, 
Encircled  by  thy  hosts  above." 


UEV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  93 

lie  published  an  edition  of  the  Death  of  Abdallah,  of  two 
thousand  copies.  This  was  his  last  poetical  work.  He 
soon  became  more  immediately  engaged  in  the  labours  of 
the  Gospel. 

The  distinctive  features  of  the  Presbyterian  and  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  were  brought  before  my 
brother's  mind.  The  consequence  was,  a  dissatisfaction 
with  his  own  Church,  and  a  decided  preference  for  the 
Episcopal.  About  this  time,  he  also  met  with  the  Right 
Rev.  Richard  C.  Moore,  Bishop  elect  for  Virginia.  By 
intercourse  with  him,  he  became  at  last  determined  to 
unite  himself  to  the  Episcopal  Church.  In  addition  to 
the  convictions  of  his  understanding  in  favour  of  this 
Church,  the  Bishop  presented  before  his  soul,  panting  to 
engage  in  the  active  duties  of  the  ministry,  the  wide  field 
of  labour  which  Virginia  displayed,  and  which  invited 
the  Episcopal  ministry  especially  to  a  glorious  harvest. 
My  brother's  health  was  also  delicate,  and  he  was  almost 
led  to  despair  of  being  enabled  to  proceed  through  that 
long  season  of  probation,  which  was  required  in  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  These  circumstances,  in  contrast  with  the 
offer  of  Bishop  Moore,  to  enable  my  brother  under  the 
license  of  Lay  Reader,  at  once  to  commence  his  active 
duties,  and  at  the  same  time  to  pursue  his  preparatory  stu- 
dies for  the  ministry,  had,  no  doubt,  a  powerful  influence 
in  bringing  him  to  so  speedy  a  decision.  I  believe,  however, 
thai  his  mind  had  been  long  exercised  on  this  subject.  For 
months  before  these  movements,  it  was  reported  among  his 
friends  that  he  had  actually  joined  the  Episcopal  Church. 
Thus  it  was  not  the  decision  of  the  moment.  And  we  can 
now  see  it  was  indeed  a  gracious  Providence  which  led  to 
this  change.  For,  had  he  much  longer  continued  the  same 
laborious  course  of  writing,  publishing,  and  disposing  of 
his  works,  which  was  required  to  obtain  a  support  for  his 
family  ;  this,  in  connexion  with  his  regular  preparatory  stu- 

i2 


94  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

dies,  must  speedily  have  driven  him  to  a  premature  grave. 
Put  the  change  from  this  scene,  to  active  effort  in  a  salu- 
l»rious  clime,  in  connexion  with  those  sacred  duties,  the 
delight  of  his  soul,  could  not  but  be  salutary. 

As  his  own  mind  became  impressed,  he  was  led  to  pre- 
sent the  subject  more  distinctly  to  my  view.  He  placed  in 
my  hands  Dr.  Bowden  in  answer  to  Dr.  Miller  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  ministry  and  government  of  the  Church.  In  this 
movement,  I  believe  that  his  anxious  desire  was,  not  that  I 
should  be  altogether  influenced  by  his  determinations,  but 
that  the  subject  should  be  plainly  laid  down  before  me,  and 
I  should  judge  and  act  for  myself.  1  he  subject  of  Church 
government  had  never  before  been  distinctly  presented  to 
my  mind  ;  but  I  had  embraced  the  Presbyterian  Church,  as 
it  was  the  one  within  whose  pale  I  found  myself,  when  I 
first  experienced  the  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  my 
heart.  After  examination,  I  determined  with  my  brother  to 
unite  with  the  Episcopal  Church. 

Bishop  Moore  knowing  my  views,  offered  me  also  a 
license  as  Lay  Reader,  that  thus  I  might  be  building  up 
the  Church  in  some  of  the  vacant  parishes  at  the  same  time 
that  I  was  pursuing  my  preparatory  studies.  I  accepted 
the  ofier. 

It  was  determined  that  I  should  proceed  on  to  Virginia, 
and  endeavour  to  obtain  a  situation,  and  examine  more 
accurately  the  ground  and  prospect,  and  inform  my  brother 
before  he  moved  his  family.  I,  therefore,  left  New-York 
October  14th,  1814,  and  arrived  in  Alexandria,  District  of 
Columbia,  the  20th.  After  spending  a  few  days  in  the 
family  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  I  proceeded,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Bishop  and  Mr.  Wilmer,  to  Prince  William 
and  Stafford  counties,  Virginia.  Here  I  was  gratefully 
received,  and  speedily  entered  upon  the  discharge  of  my 
duties. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  95 

My  brother  waited  for  my  report,  as  is  evident  from  his 
letter  to  me,  dated — 

"New-York,  October  22d. 

"  I  wish  you  to  write  me  immediately,  telling  your  pros- 
pects." "  The  Bishop  started  on  Monday  morning,  and 
was  to  leave  Philadelphia,  Friday  morning.  Write  by  the 
return  of  mail."  "  I  am  waiting  a  letter  from  the  Bishop 
before  I  start.  As  there  is  every  prospect  of  an  attack  on 
the  city  within  a  few  days,  I  probably  may  go  on  as  far  as 
Philadelphia  soon.  How  much  is  board  in  Alexandria, 
and  what  kind  of  a  place  is  it?" 

"  Our  father  came  down  in  the  steamboat.  He  was  much 
disappointed  on  finding  you  gone.  This  week  I  have  been 
principally  engaged  in  walking  about  with  him.  He  will 
not  return  until  next  week.  Since  breaking  up  house- 
keeping, I  have  not  found  so  much  difficulty  as  before. 
Providence  appears  beginning  to  deliver  me  from  my  trou- 
bles. Blessed  be  the  name  of  my  Heavenly  Father. — He 
reigns. — May  I  learn  to  be  still,  and  know  that  he  is  God.''^ 
"  The  Lord  of  Hosts  be  your  cloud  by  day,  and  your  pillar 
of  fire  by  night.     Pray  for  us.     Your's  ever." 

My  brother,  with  his  wife  and  infant  son,  soon  left  New- 
York,  and  went  on  to  Alexandria.  In  a  letter  to  me, 
post  marked  Alexandria,  November  21st.,  he  writes — 

"  I  have  just  paper  enough  to  say  to  you,  that  I  am  at 
your  good  friend  Mr.  N.'s  with  Harriot  and  George.  We 
arrived  on  Saturday."  "  I  hope  to  see  you  here  as  soon  as 
your  duties  will  permit.    H.  sends  her  sincere  love. 

Yours,  ever  affectionately, 

BENJ'N.  ALLEN,  Jr." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  HIS  CORRESPONDENCE  DURING  1813 14. 

In  order  to  throw  further  light  on  the  history  of  my  brother's 
movements,  sentiments,  and  feelings,  I  present  extracts 
from  his  correspondence  with  myself,  during  the  period 
already  considered. 

The  following  was  addressed  to  me  while  I  was  at  Eliza- 
bethtown,  New-Jersey.  The  Lord  was  visiting  that  region 
with  the  blessed  outpourings  of  his  Holy  Spirit  at  the  time. 

"New-York,  February  9th,  1813. 
"  Beloved  Brother  : — 

"  I  am  thankful  that  you  are  comfortably  and  happily 
situated.  Especially  am  I  thankful  that  you  are  in  a  place 
where  our  Heavenly  Father  is  pouring  out  his  influence. 
Now  you  may  see,  and  I  hope  feel,  the  blessed  effects  of 
that  unction  which  is  from  on  high,  and  which  gives  a  fore- 
taste of  the  joys  of  eternity.  Mr.  W.  has  a  request  to  make 
of  you  :  viz.  that  you  will  collect  all  the  circumstances  you 
can  respecting  the  revival,  and  communicate  them  by  let- 
ter as  soon  as  may  be.  Never  mind  postage.  I  shall 
expect  a  letter  from  you  at  least  once  a  week.  Be  much  in 
prayer,  my  brother ;  and  may  Heaven  bless  you." 

He  again  writes —  "  February  11th. 

"  My  feelings  better  speak  my  satisfaction  respecting 
your  happy  situation,  than  my  tongue  can.  My  feelings 
praise  the  Almighty  Father  of  our  mercies  for  thus  direct- 
ing you  to  a  spot  of  earth,  where  his  Spirit  is  pouring  out 
so  abundantly.     May  he  prepare  you  for  great  and  lasting 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  97 

usefulness.  To  glorify  our  Heavenly  Father  is  the  noblest 
work  of  rational  existence." 

"  Mr.  M'Dovvell  in  times  past  has  been  remarkably  atten- 
tive to  catechising  the  young,  and  now  we  see  how  he  is 
rewarded :  Those  very  youth  are  becoming  stars  in  his 
crown,  which  will  irradiate  for  ever." 

"  May  your  prayers  and  your  praises  be  called  forth  as 
from  the  tongue  of  an  Apostle,  by  attending  that  excellent 
Society  to  which  you  have  joined  yourself.  May  God  bless 
you  in  it,  and  it  in  you." 

"Thomas,  I  have  a  charge  and  a  request  for  you.  I 
trust  you  have  by  this  time  lighted  up  in  your  breast  an 
ardent  desire  to  serve  and  to  glorify  your  Heavenly  Father  : 
Thus  may  you  do  it.  Mr.  W.  has  a  son  nine  or  ten  years 
old,  a  smart  boy,  apparently,  who  now  is  exposed  to  bad 
example,  and  comparatively  growing  up  in  ignorance  by 
being  in  the  office  with  the  bad  boys.  I  have  persuaded 
his  father  to  send  him  to  Elizabethtown,  and  more,  he  has 
concluded  to  send  him  thence  to  college ;  and  who  knows 
but  Providence  may,  after  that,  think  proper  to  call  him  into 
the  ministry  ?  Much,  under  Heaven,  depends  on  proper 
instruction  and  example  now.  His  father  will  give  me 
considerable  direction  of  him.  Now,  Thomas,  I  wish  him 
to  be  with  you.  Are  you  willing  to  take  charge  of  him  as 
a  younger  brother :  take  him  to  Church,  catechise  him,  or 
have  him  catechised  with  Mr.  M'Dowell's  young  folks,  and 
take  pains  to  instil  into  his  mind  good  principles;  learn  him 
to  pray,  &c.,  and  inspire  him  with  a  thirst  for  learning?  If 
he  goes,  he  will  be  placed  under  your  immediate  care, 
and  remain  at  E.  a  length  of  time.  I  know  the  answer 
your  heart  will  give,  therefore  I  merely  request  you  to 
write  me  by  return  of  mail,  what  Mr.  N.  will  charge  for 
boarding  a  boy  ten  years  old,  and  what  the  tuition  in  the 
English  School  will  be." 


98  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

By  the  above,  we  still  see  my  brother  bursting  forth  from 
the  multiplicity  of  his  engagements,  into  new  paths  of 
doing  good ;  and  endeavouring  also  to  enlist  in  the  same 
benevolent  work  all  those  over  whom  he  has  influence. 
The  Lord  be  praised  for  his  example. 

"February  15th. 

"  Do  you  not  recognize  the  finger  of  Providence  in 
directing  you  to  E.  ?  May  you  find  your  graces  revived, 
and  your  heart  encouraged  so  much,  as  to  go  on  your  way 
rejoicing !  Remember  the  crown  before  you,  and  the  glory 
of  serving  your  Heavenly  Father — the  only  thing  which  is 
worth  living  for.  Go  on,  my  brother,  prepare  yourself  for 
extensive  usefulness,  and  you  will  make  the  heart  of  your 
brother  to  leap  for  joy." 

"  As  to  your  attending  the  Societies  at  present,  I  think, 
while  the  Spirit  from  above  is  pouring  out  so  abundantly, 
you  ought  to  be  found  in  the  way  as  much  as  possible. 
Neglect  not  your  studies,  but  remember,  while  gathering 
fruit  from  the  tree  of  knowledge,  not  to  forget  the  tree  of 
life.  And  now,  especially,  attend  to  the  latter ;  for  such 
an  opportunity  as  now  you  have,  is  but  seldom  enjoyed. 
You  will  prepare  yourself  for  the  ministry  more  by  being 
in  the  midst  of  lively  Christians  than  by  studying  the 
classics.  Avail  yourself,  then,  of  your  present  opportuni- 
ties. Pray  in  the  Societies  if  called  on  ;  read,  too  ;  take  as 
active  a  part  as  is  proper.     Heaven  bless  you." 

"  You  can  engage  Mr.  N.  to  take  the  little  boy  I  spoke 
of.     You  will  take  the  charge  "  of  him. 

"  February  24th. 

"  I  am  satisfied,  my  dear  brother,  you  do  not  squander 
what  little  money  Providence  allots  you." 

"  You  do  not  say  how  much  Latin  you  master  in  a  day, 
or  how  good  progress  you  make.  Remember  it  is  not  the 
number  of  lines,  but  the  manner  in  which  you  get  them 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  99 

which  increases  your  stock  of  learning  :  Better  get  five 
lines  well,  than  fifty  lines  badly." 

"  Mr.  Allen's  plan  for  improving  you  in  composition,  I 
admire.  You  speak  of  drunkenness,  your  division  is  a  good 
one,  but  would  it  not  be  best  to  add  among  its  bad  effects 
the  influence  of  example  on  the  young  especially  ?" 

"  I  am  rejoiced,  and  I  hope  thankful  for  the  advantages 
of  your  situation.  Never  did  Providence,  in  a  more  marked 
manner,  provide  for  your  spiritual  welfare,  than  it  has  in 
this  instance." 

"  The  prayers  of  your  young  men,  I  fervently  hope,  may 
be  mingled  for  a  long  time  to  come.  Much  good  results 
from  such  societies  :  and  praying  breath  was  never  spent 
in  vain." 

"  Happy  am  I  to  hear  of  the  Sunday  Morning  Meeting  at 
Mr.  N.'s.  Truly  the  Lord  Almighty  is  at  Elizabethtown. 
My  brother,  remember  that  such  refreshing  does  not  always 
last,  and  be  careful  therefore  to  improve  it.  May  it  leave 
you  much,  oh  very  much,  farther  on  in  the  spiritual  path, 
than  it  found  you." 

"  We  had  an  indulgence  of  the  Sacrament,  on  Sunday,  at 
Dr.  Mason's. 

"  Pray  for  Mr.  M'Dowell,  and  for  the  cause  :  Great  must 
be  his  labour,  but  rich  is  his  reward." 

"  Dr.  Romeyn,  to  whom  I  showed  part  of  your  letter  this 
morning,  was  highly  gratified  with  your  situation,  and  said 
you  had  abundant  cause  for  thankfulness." 

"  One  charge  I  must  give  you.  Take  at  least  one  good 
long  walk  every  day.  This  is  of  more  consequence  than 
you  now  may  think,  both  as  it  affects  your  present  studies 
and  your  future  usefulness.  Many  commit  a  slow  suicide 
by  neglecting  exercise.  It  is  a  duty  you  owe  yourself,  the 
Church,  and  your  Maker:  for  want  of  exercise  causes  a  dis- 
ordered body  " — an  "  enfeebled  mind." 

"  Henry,  I  expect,  will  go  to-day.     May  he  prove  a  star 


100  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

in  your  crown  of  rejoicing:  for  I  trust,  and  hope,  you  may 
be  made  the  means  of  bringing  him  to  the  desired  haven. 

"  With  prayers  for  your  growth  in  grace." 

"  March  27th. 

"  Dear  Thomas : — My  long  silence  has  been  owing  to 
absence.  Yesterday  I  returned  from  Hudson,  after  being 
gone  three  weeks.  Our  father  and  friends,  I  found  very 
well.  All  send  love  to  you.  My  soul  rejoices  at  the 
joy  you  experience  in  the  Christian's  path.  Seek  the  con- 
tinued smiles  of  your  Heavenly  Father's  countenance,  and 
you  will  be  happy.  Short  is  our  pilgrimage  below.  Let  it 
be  an  active  one.  Let  our  constant  prayer  be,  Father,  suf- 
fer us  to  glorify  thee.  Let  us  be  w^atchful  over  our  hearts, 
checking  the  first  tendency  to  evil,  for  from  the  heart  all 
evil  actions  grow.  Remember  to  be  humble." — "  Your  pro- 
ceedings with  Henry,  I  am  thankful  for ;  may  they  be 
blessed  to  his  eternal  welfare.  He  is  an  invaluable  deposit. 
May  you  be  the  happy  means  of  training  him  up  to  great  use- 
fulness."— "  I  am  glad  you  are  about  speaking.  You  should 
seek  frequent  opportunities  for  improving  yourself  in  that, 
as  well  as  in  other  important  accomplishments.  Habits 
once  confirmed  are  hard  to  be  conquered.  And  above  all,  a 
speaker  in  public  should  cultivate  easy  and  graceful  de- 
livery. Nothing  can  ever  enter  the  affections  that  stumbles 
at  the  threshold." — "Be  careful  of  your  health.  Do  not 
study  too  late,  and  he  sure  to  exercise  enotigh  ///" 

"  Happy  is  the  man  who  trusts  in  the  Lord." 

"  How  great,  truly,  must  be  the  joy  in  Heaven,  over  one 
hundred  and  fifty  repenting  sinners."  I  presume  the  above 
expression  was  called  forth  by  my  informing  him  of  that 
number  who  were  anxiously  inquiring. 

"  Your  plan  of  taking  notes  from  Mr.  M'Dowell's  ser- 
mons, is  a  very  good  one.  My  dear  brother,  adieu. 
Remember  the  place  of  safety  is  always  the  foot  of  the  thron« 
of  grace" 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  101 

"  May  our  Heavenly  Father  preserve  you,  and  carry  you 
as  on  angels'  wings  to  the  mansions  of  rest,  where  I  hope 
we  may  spend  an  eternity  together." 

"  May  7th. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — Hastily  I  take  my  pen  to  write  a  few 
lines,  as  a  week  has  expired,  and  I  have  not  written.  We 
are  pleasantly  settled  at  40  John  Street ;  our  room  is  in  the 
second  story  and  overlooks  several  gardens.  Here  1  have 
entered  into  new  arrangements  with  myself.  Through  the 
blessing  of  Providence,  the  most  pressing  part  of  my  busi- 
ness being  settled,  I  am  able  to  make  new  arrangements. 
I  rise  in  the  morning,  and  after  devotional  exercises,  which 
always  ought  to  occupy  some  considerable  time,  read 
papers  and  miscellany  till  breakfast,  then  spend  two  hours  at 
the  classics — have  begun  Virgil — then  spend  two  hours  at 
business,  and  the  remainder  of  the  day  devote  to  reading 
and  writing.  Of  these,  I  feel  the  importance  of  reading 
the  Scriptures  and  languages.  Some  time,  every  day,  ought 
to  be  devoted  to  reading  the  Scriptures.  If  you  expect  to 
be  a  workman  not  to  be  ashamed,  you  must  begin  now  to 
spend  considerable  time  upon  that  mine  of  all  wisdom,  the 
Scriptures.  There  you  find  comfort  and  instruction.  Con- 
template the  character  of  those  who  rest  from  their  labours, 
and  you  will  take  courage  and  press  forward.  Always  pray 
over  your  Bible  :  Pray  for  the  Spirit  to  lead  you  into  the 
way  of  all  truth." 

"  When  you  contemplate  the  faith  of  faithful  Abraham ; 
when  you  see  him  in  his  devotions,  in  the  plains  of  Mamre; 
when  you  witness  his  faith  remaining  firm  from  the  time 
of  promise  till  the  fulfilment ;  when  you  see  him  ascending 
Mount  Moriah  with  that  son  of  promise,  how  must  your 
faith  and  trust  strengthen.  When  you  see  Jacob  supported 
and  comforted  by  angels,  as  witnessed  in  his  dream  ;  when 
you  see  his  increase,  that  whereas  he  went  over  Jordan  with 
his  staff  alone,  and  returned  two  bands,  how  must  you  be 

K 


102  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

confirmed  still  more  and  more."  Thus,  "  your  soul  settling 
down  in  a  happy  serenity,  shall  commit  all  for  time  and 
eternity,  to  the  hand  of  Him  who  is  our  Father.  '  Never 
will  I  leave  thee  or  forsake  thee  ;'  that  word  is  true,  I  know 
from  experience.  He  has  removed  the  blackest  clouds,  and 
given  me  day  for  night.     Pray  much,  watch  and  pray." 

"  May  20th. 

♦'  Your's  by  Mr.  N.  came  safely  yesterday.  I  am  always 
glad  to  receive  a  letter  from  you,  especially  when  that  letter 
portrays  your  Christian  feelings.  How  happy  are  you  to 
have  been  called  to  the  path  of  pleasure  and  of  true  glory, 
when  so  many  myriads  of  similar  age  are  pursuing  phantoms 
to  their  own  destruction ;  fainting,  the  want  of  comfort 
whenever  affliction  attacks  them,  always  dissatisfied  even 
in  the  height  of  prosperity.  '  Happy  is  the  man  whose 
God  is  the  Lord.'  Let  '  wist  ye  not  that  I  must  be  about 
my  Father's  business,'  be  frequently  in  your  thoughts,  and 
animate  you  to  constant  exertion.  Let  your  soul  be  on  the 
alert,  to  catch  every  opportunity  of  glorifying  your  Hea- 
venly Father.  Remember  that  this  is  the  business  of  your 
life,  and  he  lives  the  longest  who  glorifies  the  most.  Oft 
are  gray  hairs  shamed  by  youthful  diligence." 

"  You  say  the  prospect  of  being  a  herald  of  the  blessed 
cross  encourages  you.  Well  may  it  encourage  you.  Angels 
have  not  so  high  an  honour.  Besides,  if  you  knew  the 
state  of  the  church  in  this  country,  you  would  feel  animated 
to  double  diligence.  There  are  now  one  thousand  vacan- 
cies in  the  bounds  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  this 
country,  and  clergymen  cannot  be  found  to  fill  them. 
People  on  our  western  frontier,  by  thousands,  are  seeking 
the  Word,  and  cannot  find  it.  Dr.  Mason,  last  Sabbath  eve, 
preached  a  most  masterly  sermon  on  this  subject.  He 
stated,  that  from  present  appearances,  if  no  more  be  done 
than  is  now  doing,  in  a  few  years  there  would  be  several 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  103 

millions  of  white  people  in  our  own  country,  as  destitute 
of  the  Gospel,  as  the  Heathens  of  the  East.  Does  not  this 
warn  us  to  diligence?  So  rapidly  does  this  country  increase 
in  numbers,  that  five  hundred  clergymen  ought  to  go  out 
every  year,  and  there  is  not  more  than  fifty.  Such  are  Dr. 
Mason's  calculations,  and  he  has  excellent  means  of  infor- 
mation." 

"  Write  how  Henry  behaves.  I  have  written  to  him.  I 
hope  he  may  be  blessed.  He  is  a  trust  committed  to  our 
care  for  a  while  ;  may  we  be  blessed  to  him  in  our  labours." 

"  I  send  the  two  Odes  written  by  me  for  Mr.  Pickett,  and 
to  be  sung  at  his  exhibition  to-morrow,  in  Mr.  Lyle's  church. 
Mr.  P.  has  three  or  four  hundred  scholars." 

May  24th. 
Speaking  of  Mr.  Pickett's  examination,  as  mentioned  in 
the  above,  he  says, — "  One  Ode  was  sung  by  thirty  beautiful 
children  standing  in  a  half  moon  on  the  stage  at  once.  It 
was  affecting  to  hear  so  many  young  voices  singing  the 
praises  of  the  blessed  Redeemer." 

"  Philadelphia,  June  11th. 
"  Very  Dear  Thomas, — 

"  I  expected  long  ere  this  to  have  been  in  New-York, 
but  Providence  seems  to  find  such  employ  for  me  here,  as 
to  warrant  my  tarrying.  My  new  publication  engages  me 
considerably  ;  the  late  purchased  lands  in  this  state  also 
occupy  attention ;  they  are  important  objects.  Besides, 
social  friendship  invites  me  to  remain.  We  are  here  among 
many  warm  and  attentive  friends ;  every  day  or  two  brings 
us  an  invitation  from  those  we  never  saw  before,  so  that  we 
are  very  pleasantly  situated.  '  Seek  ye  first  the  Kingdom 
of  God,  and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these  things  shall  be 
added  unto  you.'" 

"  Happy  are  we,  my  brother,  in  hearing  the  sound  of  the 
glorious  Gospel :  happy  in  being  called  to  taste  its  excel- 


104  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

lence,  and  most  honoured  in  being  called  to  proclaim  it  to 
the  world.  How  can  he,  who  stands  at  the  feet  of  his 
Master's  cross,  and  surveys  the  boundless  glories  that  flow 
from  it  to  humanity,  depraved  humanity ;  how  can  he  fail 
to  be  enraptured  ?  Do  you  know  that  every  pain  of  body, 
every  discontent  and  fear  of  mind,  flow  from  sin,  and  that 
the  nearer  we  keep  to  the  throne,  the  more  constant  will  be 
our  felicity  1 — He  who  is  near  the  throne,  sees  that  his  God 
is  his  Father,  and  knows  that  that  Father  is  infinite  in  ten- 
derness, as  in  all  other  attributes  ;  that  not  a  fear  approaches 
his  soul,  but  the  paternal  eye  marks  it ;  that  not  a  danger 
lingers  around  his  path,  but  that  paternal  care  observes  it. 
Why,  then,  are  fears  allowed  to  enter  our  minds,  and  dan- 
gers to  affect  our  bodies?  Paternal  wisdom  suffers  it  to 
recall  us  back  when  we  wander ;  suffers  it  to  bring  us  to 
the  place  of  our  happiness,  the  throne  of  grace.  Never 
would  a  fear  molest  us,  were  we  always  close  to  the  throne. 
In  a  few  days  we  shall  be  close  to  the  throne,  for  all  tears 
shall  be  wiped  from  our  eyes.  Those  who  trust  in  him 
most  constantly,  he  leads  most  frequently  in  the  green  pas- 
tures, and  by  the  side  of  the  still  waters ;  most  frequently 
does  he  lift  upon  them  the  light  of  his  glorious  counte- 
nance. Keep  near  the  throne,  my  brother;  let  the  aim 
of  your  life  be  to  glorify  your  God ;  and  let  this  be 
always  in  your  mind — your  sufficiency  is  in  Christ.'''' 

"  In  sight  of  Elizabeth-Town,      > 
On  board  Steam-boat  Raritan,  10  o'clock,  P.  M.  \ 

June  29th,  1813. 
"  Dear  Thomas, — 

"Our  machinery  having  broke,  we  are  detained  here, 
while  the  Captain  pays  a  visit  to  your  place  for  repairs. 
We  left  Philadelphia  yesterday  morning  very  well,  and,  I 
hope  very  thankful,  for  we  have  experienced  much,  very 
much  ofthe  goodness  of  our  Heavenly  Father  while  there." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  105 

"While  I  gaze  upon  Elizabethtown,  I  am  filled  with 
delightful  emotions.  That  is  a  place  favoured  of  the  Lord. 
Upon  that  place  the  reviving  showers  of  grace  have  dropped 
their  rich  abundance.  There  are  now  many  souls  praising 
Jesus-Jehovah  in  their  hearts,  and  looking  for  his  coming 
in  all  the  excellence  of  his  love.  His  voice  they  hear  in 
the  thunder — Him  do  they  admire  in  the  tempest,  and 
whether  clouds  roll  o'er  them,  or  peaceful  serenity  occupies 
the  skies,  they  hear  his  voice  in  most  delightful  accents, 
whispering,  '  Peace,  my  children,  ye  are  mine.'  Gracious 
Master,  help  us  all  to  glorify  thee,  and  we  ask  no  more. 
How  great  is  the  joy  which  happy  ransomed  souls  have 
experienced,  in  marking  the  renewal  of  sinner  after  sinner 
in  that  place.  How,  for  a  sweet  season,  was  the  recording 
angel  occupied  in  registering  their  names  in  the  Lamb's 
Book  of  Life." 

"  Pray  now  for  others.  Pray  for  us,  that  w^e  may  be 
honoured  as  instruments  of  greatly  glorifying  our  Father  in 
Heaven.  Short  is  our  stay  here  ;  may  we  do  much  for  the 
good  of  our  fellows.  Soon  we  shall  mount  to  those  Hea- 
vens where  none  will  be  with  us  to  pray  for,  where  all  will 
be  happy,  beatitude,  glory  and  love.     Adieu  for  the  present. 

"  For  ever  your's." 

He  adds  a  note  in  New- York,  July  1st — <'  May  much  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  dwell  with  you." 

"  xN[ew-York,  July  19th. 

"G.  D.,  formerly  of  Hudson,  is  a  subject  of  the  revival 
at  Newark.  He  is  going  on  his  way  rejoicing.  S.  G.  S., 
is  a  little  affected;  pray  for  him,  and  for  L.  J.  Never  forget 
our  dear  father  at  the  throne. 

Yesterday  we  had  a  most  delightful  communion  at  Dr. 

Romeyn's.     H.  enjoyed  herself  better,  and  had  clearer  and 

more  comfortable  views  than  ever  she  had  before.     I  never 

enjoyed  myself  so  well,  I  think,  in  all  my  life.     Perhaps 

k2 


106  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

we  were  peculiarly  blessed  on  account  of  the  union  of  so 
many  clergymen  of  difTerent  denominations  at  the  same 
table.  Dr.  Mason  officiated,  a  Dutch  clergyman  preached, 
Dr.  Romeyn  prayed,  and  beside  them,  Mr.  Broadhead  was 
present;  all  sat  down  at  the  same  table.  Dr.  Mason,  in  the 
afternoon,  preached  an  excellent  sermon  from  these  words, 
'The  body  is  dead,  because  of  sin,  but  the  spiiit  is  life, 
because  of  righteousness.'  " 

"To-morrow  we  go  to  Hudson.  Write  us  there  imme- 
diately, and  often.  The  work  in  Newark  goes  on  increas- 
ingly.    It  has  begun  at  a  place  sixteen  miles  from  there." 

"Hudson,  July  26th. 

"  I  am  very  sorry  to  see  you  suggest  an  idea  of  doing 
business  during  the  vacation.  I  am  afraid  you  have  clung 
to  some  injurious  society.  All  you  ought  to  think  of  at 
present,  is  how  you  shall  best  prepare  yourself  for  active 
usefulness  in  the  great  cause  in  which  you- are  engaged. 
As  to  provision  for  the  way,  you  must  put  your  alone  trust 
in  your  Heavenly  Father.  The  nice  feeling  you  indulge 
respecting  providing  for  yourself,  is  a  worldly  one.  You 
have  given  yourself  away  to  the  Lord  as  his  servant,  and 
you  now  should  be  willing  to  trust  in  him  for  provision, 
that  you  may  serve  him  etFectually.  As  to  the  vacation, 
it  will  happen  most  opportunely  for  you,  because  you  now 
will  have  an  opportunity  to  get  up  with  the  class  which  Mr. 
Wylie  wishes  you  to  join." 

"  Think  not  of  business,  but  keep  near  the  throne,  and 
keep  on  with  your  studies.  You  may  make  a  few  dollais, 
but  you  will  injure  your  usefulness;  besides,  it  will  bring 
you  into  intimacy  with  worldlings,  which  you  should  avoid 
as  the  bane  of  your  Christian  graces.  Let  the  people  of 
God  be  your  friends,  your  counsellors,  your  companions. 
Be  sparing  of  the  hours  you  spend  with  the  mere  worldling." 

"1  have  some  good  news  for  you  :  Capt.  A.  is  pious. 


UEV.  UENJAMIN  ALLEN.  107 

Give  thanks  to  God  for  his  goodness.  Keep  near  tlic 
throne,  my  dear  brother;  press  forward  toward  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  in  Christ  Jesus.  Be  active 
for  your  Lord  and  Master ;  remember  you  cannot  serve  him 
long  below.  Be  of  good  cheer,  he  has  overcome  the  world. 
H.  and  my  love  to  all  our  affectionate  friends  in  Christ 
Jesus  :  tell  those  who  know  us,  and  love  not  the  Lord  Jesus, 
they  have  our  prayers.  Follow  Paul  as  he  followed  Christ. 
God  be  with  you. — Pray  for  our  father." 

The  above  was  directed  to  me  in  Philadelphia. 

"Hudson,  August  14th. 
"  Very  Dear  Thomas, — 

"  Your  letter  was  a  cordial  to  me.  It  adds  one  to  my 
many  causes  of  thankfulness.  I  see  that  our  Heavenly 
Father  condescends  to  accept  of  you,  and  to  use  you  as  an 
instrument  to  his  glory.  Go  on,  pray  to  him  for  strength 
daily — day  by  day,  hour  by  hour — ejaculations  may  ascend 
at  any  time — and  where  the  heart  is  in  a  praying  frame, 
they  will  ascend.  Let  the  burden  of  your  prayer  be,  Use 
me  to  thy  glory,  strengthen  me  by  thy  grace." 

"  Let  the  inexhaustible  mine  of  delight,  the  Scriptures, 
be  your  constant  companion.  Read  it  for  profit;  read  it 
for  pleasure  ;  read  it  for  delight." 

"  When  hearing  sermons,  begin  to  make  use  of  your  own 
mind,  by  thinking  over  the  subject  afterwards,  and  applying 
it  to  yourself.  Learn  to  think ;  to  draw  the  leading  ideas 
from  every  thing  you  read  and  hear,  and  revolve  them  in 
your  mind  until  you  have  made  them  your  own.  That  is 
the  way  to  gain  a  strong  mind  and  useful  knowledge.  Dr. 
Mason  tells  us,  we  do  not  go  to  him  so  much  to  gain  infor- 
mation, as  to  learn  to  use  our  ow^n  minds.  Begin  to  study 
human  nature ;  that  is  what  you  will  have  to  operate  upon. 
The  person  I  wished  you  to  get  so  particularly  acquainted 
with,  was  Mr.  S.  He  appears  to  live  Christianity.  He  has 
much  of  its  richness,  much  of  its  love." 


108  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Your  falling  in  with  that  young  man,  was  a  singular 
Providence.  He  appears  to  have  been  in  despair,  and 
probably  your  conversation  has  been  made  use  of  to  keep 
him  from  some  rash  act.  Guard  against  spiritual  pride. 
Be  humble.  Remember,  the  lowly  valley  always  receives 
the  richest  streams." 

"  Captain  A.  has  been  for  two  years  labouring,  almost 
by  himself.  Taught  by  the  Spirit,  by  means  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, &;c.  he  has  prayed  for  almost  two  years.  By  degrees 
he  has  been  brought  to  a  state  of  comfortable  assurance, 
and  now  intends  coming  forward  to  the  church  immediately. 
He  has  been  so  comfortable  for  about  a  fortnight  past,  that 
he  does  not  know  what  to  make  of  it.  He  is  sometimes 
afraid  he  has  not  done  enough.  1  tell  him  that  comfort 
shows  him  he  has  done  nothing.  He  is  undoubtedly  a 
renewed  man.  He  preaches  wherever  he  goes.  Pray  for 
him  and  for  Hudson.  Capt.  B.  is  under  strong  convictions, 
and  appears  to  be  advancing  rapidly  on  to  conversion  :  pray 
for  him  especially.  He  fears  he  has  sinned  away  his  day 
of  grace,  for  he  fought  against  it  a  long  time.  We  have 
commenced  a  prayer-meeting  at  the  academy.  Our  father 
is  very  well.     He  needs  our  constant  prayers." 

"  Embrace  every  opportunity  to  speak  for  your  master  in 
public,  whenever  called  upon.  I  trust  you  may  be  allowed 
to  glorify  abundantly,  every  year  and  day  of  your  life.  I  am 
happily  engaged  among  all.     Hallelujah  for  it." 

"  I  study  divinity  closely,  half  my  time,  the  rest  write 
and  read.  I  am  writing  a  poem ;  you  must  know  me  well 
enough,  to  suppose  it  to  be  religious." 

"September  13th. 

"  You  had  better  save  your  health  than  sacrifice  your 

usefulness.     Take  good  robust  exercise  every  day.     I  every 

little  while  hear  of  promising  young  men  being  lost  to  the 

church,  by  too  hard  study — they  get  into  a  decline.     Im- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  109 

prove  the  private  social  meetings  and  he  as  active  in  them 
as  you  can  be  useful.     Love  to  all  Christian  friends." 

"  October  9th. 

*'  Dear  Brother : — What  is  your  great  desire  ?  What  is 
the  great  object  of  your  life  ?  Is  it  not  to  glorify  your 
Father  in  Heaven?  Why  then  ask,  how  long  will  it  take 
me  to  get  through  with  my  studies,  if  I  am  obliged  to  stop 
every  few  days  ?  May  you  not  often  glorify  your  Heavenly 
Father,  otherwise  than  by  studying?  Your  studies  are  your 
principal  pursuit :  but-when  obliged  to  break  off  from  your 
studies,  may  you  not  often  be  well  employed  otherwise,  in 
conversation,  in  general  reading,  in  observation,  in  reflec- 
tion, in  religious  exercises?  My  dear  brother,  resign  your- 
self into  the  hands  of  your  dear  Redeemer  :  to  him  commit 
your  all,  and  be  content  to  be  in  his  hands,  and  to  be  used 
exactly  as  he  may  think  proper.  Short  is  your  pilgrimage, 
and  glorious  your  crown.  If,  day  by  day,  you  can  glorify, 
be  content.  What  though  your  health  should  require  one 
year  more — 'tis  no  matter.  Trust  in  Him,  you  will  be  well 
provided  for  with  every  thing  that  will  make  you  comforta- 
ble or  happy  here.  My  prospects  as  to  money  are  brighter 
than  ever.  You  will  now  arrive  at  the  pulpit  as  soon  as  I 
shall,  that  is,  you  will  be  no  older  ;  and  that  is  time  enough. 
All  things  will  meet  well,  and  you  will  every  day  say. 
Father,  I  have  more  to  thank  thee  for.  He  will  cast  down 
all  difliculties,  and  carry  you  on  happily.  Only  trust  Him. 
Prepare  to  be  a  good  soldier  of  the  cross — none  so  happy  as 
they.  I  am  glad  you  are  active  in  the  Society  for  children. 
About  the  first  of  November,  we  shall  go  down  to  New- 
York." 

"  October  25th. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — I  am  glad  to  hear  you  are  becoming 
a  member  of  the  Evangelical  Society.  May  you  be  blessed 
as  a  member,  to  the  sowing  the  seeds  of  the  Gospel  in  the 
hearts  of  many  children.   May  they  be  accompanied  by  the 


110  MEMOIU  OF  THE 

Spirit  of  our  Father,  and  bring  forth  fruit,  some  thirty  fold, 
some  sixty,  and  some  an  hundred.  Also,  T  am  glad  to  hear 
of  your  fiew  Society.  Such  Associations  are  excellent  and 
advantageous,  especially  to  persons  in  your  situation.  My 
dear  brother,  pray  for  grace  to  keep  humble.  Remember 
new  advantages  often  bring  peculiar  temptations." 

"New- York,  November  9th. 

"  Do  not  neglect  your  studies.  One  of  Dr.  Mason's 
observations  is,  '  I  never  knew  a  man  yet,  of  extensive 
influence  in  the  Church,  but  who  was  well  versed  in  the 
original  languages  of  the  Scriptures.'  " 

"  The  man  who  trusts  in  the  Lord,  is  like  Mount  Zion. 
When  the  high  hopes  of  the  malice  and  the  error  of  his 
enemies  shall  have  been  dashed  to  oblivion,  his  name  and 
his  excellence  will  shine  like  the  sun  in  the  firmament, 
imperishable  as  eternity.  Jehovah  is  a  wall  of  fire  around 
his  chosen ;  he  upholds  them  by  his  omnipotence,  and  car- 
ries them  on  safely  to  the  Heavenly  inheritance.  I  had 
rather  have  all  the  energies  of  created  existence  leagued 
against  me,  and  have  my  God  my  friend,  than  to  stand 
alone  amid  the  smiles  of  the  universe.  '  Better  is  he  that  is 
for  us,  than  they  that  are  against  us.'  The  arm  of  his 
power  can  turn  the  very  malice  of  enmity  into  wreaths  of 
immortal  honour.  Oh,  my  brother,  let  us  but  be  found  in 
Jesus,  and  we  are  safe.  Let  us  seek  hourly  for  his  grace, 
that  we  may  glorify  him.  Oh  !  to  raise  a  note  of  praise  that 
might  sound  to  the  ends  of  the  earth." 

"  November  13th. 

"Remember,  that  every  hour  you  spend  in  fitting  your- 
self for  the  ministry,  you  are  glorifying  Him  who  daily 
blesses  you,  and  you  are  preparing  yourself  for  glorifying 
him  more  abundantly  hereafter.  Suppose  you  spend  ten 
years  preparing  yourself  for  the  ministry,  may  you  not  be 
doubly  more  useful  in  one  year  after  you  are  in  the  minis* 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  Ill 

try,  than  if  you  had  spent  only  five  ?  Look  at  Dr.  M.,  a 
man,  perhaps,  doing  more  for  the  cause  of  Christ  than  any 
other  man  in  the  United  States .  how  did  he  arrive  at  that 
exalted  pitch  of  usefulness?  By  hard  study,  constant  and 
close  application  for  years." 

*'  I  would  here  mention  another  caution  given  me  by  a 
friend  on  my  outset  for  the  ministry  ;  '  Be  careful  while  you 
are  gathering  fruit  from  the  tree  of  knowledge,  not  to 
neglect  the  tree  of  life.'  General  reading  should  engage 
your  attention  part  of  the  time.  Be  active  for  your  Lord 
and  Master.  How  much  has  he  done  for  you.  I  know  you 
will  not  be  a  barren  tree,  and  I  hope  you  will  be  purged  so 
as  to  bear  more  fruit." 

"  November  22d. 

"  Warm  with  the  zeal  of  a  young  convert,  you  want  a  lit- 
tle of  the  salt  of  experience.  For  my  own  part,  I  can  safely 
say,  that  I  never  learnt  so  much  of  the  sublime  excellence 
of  the  unfathomable  glory  of  the  Scriptures,  as  when  studying 
them  in  the  original.  Oft  have  I  stood  struck  with  aston- 
ishment— naught  could  I  but  admire  and  adore.  Often  the 
translation  gives  only  an  outline  of  the  meaning,  and  when 
you  go  back  to  the  original  you  find  a  well  of  thought.  A 
knowledge  of  the  original  of  a  text  is  better  than  all  the 
commentaries  in  the  world ;"  thus  "  doubts  are  cleared, 
difficulties  solved,  and  well-springs  of  consolation  opened." 
"  Never  will  you  be  able  to  break  up  the  deeps  of  thousands 
of  passages  without  knowing  the  language  in  which  they 
were  originally  written." 

"  December  8th. 

"  Tell  Mr.  S.  a  revival  took  place  a  few  weeks  since  at 
New-Bedford,  Mass.  The  clergyman  was  about  leaving 
the  place,  when  suddenly  a  revival  began  ;  forty  or  fifty 
persons  were  added  to  the  churches  at  N.  B.  and  N.  H." 
"  One  hundred  persons  were  the  subjects  of  the  revival  in 
Hartford,  Conn.,  a  very  considerable  of  whom  had  found  a 


112  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

hope  :  almost  all  the  subjects  were  between  the    age  of 
twelve  and  nineteen  !" 

"December  15th. 
"  Never,  no  never  give  up  the  desired  pursuit.  Press 
forward,  trusting  in  Him  who  is  Almighty,  and  though 
clouds  now  and  then  appear,  he  will  bear  you  along  safely, 
and  place  your  feet  on  Mount  Zion,  the  place  of  everlasting 
blessedness.  No,  my  brother,  never  shall  you  be  moved, 
never  shall  you  be  harmed.  Remember  '  the  Rock  that  is 
higher  than  I :'  fear  not  but  you  will  find  abundant  oppor- 
tunities to  glorify.  That  fervour  which  is  more  worthy 
than  a  crown,  was  never  put  into  your  heart  for  naught.  It 
will  have  its  desire,  it  will  praise  Jehovah  our  Father. 
Only  trust  in  him." 

•'  Dear  Thomas, —  "  Christmas,  1813. 

"  I  wish  you  a  happy  Christmas,  and  hope  you  may  meet 
some  Christian  friends,  in  unison  with  whose  hearts,  yours 
may  rejoice  at  the  immortal  blessings  this  day  brings  to 
mind.  Let  us  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness  and  his 
loving  kindness  to  tlie  children  of  men.  Boundless  is  his 
love,  unspeakable  his  mercies." 

"January  7th,  1814. 
"  I  wish  you  to  start  on  Monday  morning,  and  come  with 
all  convenient  expedition  to  40  John  street.  Happy  and 
grateful  am  I,  to  find  how  you  have  been  blessed  in  Phila- 
delphia. Remember,  Christians  are  the  same  every  where, 
and  other  fields  may  present  the  same  abundant  fruits.  You 
are  in  the  hands  of  your  Heavenly  Father.  He  will  guide 
you  by  his  counsel,  and  afterward  receive  you  to  glory. 
Give  my  love  and  gratitude  to  all  our  Christian  friends,  for 
their  kindness  to  you.     We  want  much  to  see  you." 

The  following  was  addressed  to  me  while  I  was  occupied 
in  the  circulation  of  Dr.  Scott's  Commentary  in  New-Jersey. 


KEY.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  113 

"  January  24th. 

"  Your's  came  safe,  and  gave  much  pleasure.  You  have 
doubtless  had  hard  work  in  so  much  walking ;  but  ninety 
dollars  for  one  week,  or  fifteen  dollars  per  day,  is  good 
wages." 

"  Perhaps  you  need  not  press  my  Poem  on  the  score  of 
educating  us,  as  Providence  smiles  so  much." 

"  You  are  glorifying  your  Heavenly  Father  in  every  con- 
versation you  have  on  the  Bible  ;  and  every  subscriber  you 
get,  you  glorify  him  more.  Who  knows  but  some  casual 
observations  from  you,  dropped  on  unregenerated  hearts, 
may  be  blessed  to  salvation.  Go  on,  my  brother,  rejoicing 
in  the  good  cause.  Soon  will  our  pilgrimage  cease,  and 
the  bright,  unfading  crown  encircle  our  brows.  Our  Saviour 
underwent  toils  in  abundance  for  us  ;  let  us  cheerfully  then 
go  in  his  footsteps." 

"  I  am  every  day  writing  little  pieces,  hymns,  &;c.  to  be 
added  to  my  volume.  It  will  contain  two  hundred  pages, 
or  nearly." 

"  February  9th. 
"  Truly  we  are  abundantly  blessed.  '  Seek  ye  first  the 
kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness,  and  all  these  things 
shall  be  added  to  you,'  is  fully  proved  true  in  us.  Let  us 
seek  to  be  grateful,  and  remember  not  to  be  idle  ;  new 
blessings  are  new  calls  to  glorify.  Happy  am  I  to  hear  of 
the  good  work  in  Springfield  :  may  it  reach  thousands  of 
hearts.  You  have  an  interest  in  our  prayers  morning  and 
eve.     Do  not  forget  us." 

"  I  have  Spencer's  Life  of  which  I  spoke,  and  truly  it  is 
delightful.  I  want  you  to  have  it  as  soon  as  I  have  read  it. 
In  Knox  you  will  see  how  the  believer  is  supported." 

'  The  soul  that  on  Jesus  has  leaned  for  repose, 
He  will  not,  he  cannot,  desert  to  his  foes; 
That  soul  though  all  hell  should  endeavour  to  shake. 
He'll  never,  no  never,  no  never  forsake.^ 

I. 


114  MEMOIIl  OF  THE 

"  My  brother,  let  us  rejoice  in  that  good  Saviour,  Com- 
forter, and  Father,  who  is  our  stay  and  our  staft'.  '  The  Lord 
will  provide,'  is  manifest  in  your  remarkable  success.  How 
good  is  our  Heavenly  Father ;  lie  alioays  gives  us  just  what 
we  need,  and  just  ivhen  we  need  it.  Blessings  attend  you  in 
Hanover,  that  blessed  place." 

"  February  24th. 
"  Dear  Thomas, — 

"You  may  well  expect  that  the  enemy  is  angry,  and  will 
throw  every  possible  difficulty  in  your  way,  but  you  may 
feel  safe;  the  Lo7'd  Almiglity  is  your  stay  and  your  staft'. 
He  will  surround  you  with  his  arm — around  you,  will  his 
angels  encamp,  and  you  will  they  defend  against  every  evil 
and  every  enemy.  Well  may  you  rejoice.  The  Lord  is 
bountiful.  He  it  is,  who  thus  fills  your  lot  with  abundance, 
and  surrounds  you  with  his  blessings.  Bless  and  praise 
Him,  for  the  very  great  honour  of  being  allowed  to  bear 
contumely  for  his  sake.  One,  in  old  time,  went  groaning 
up  the  hill  Calvary,  suffering  the  buffetings  of  the  multi- 
tude, bearing  the  burden  of  the  cross,  but  the  far  more 
intolerable  burden  of  our  ^ms." 

"  Be  careful  of  your  health,  do  not  over-exert  yourself. 
Regularly  do  I  remember  you  at  the  throne.  I  hope  you 
reciprocate."  "  My  new  Poem,  Mr.  Liskeep  talks  of  buy- 
ing. I  expect  he  will  give  me  five  hundred  dollars,  but  I 
can  make  more  by  publishing  it.  Naval  Triumphs  begin 
to  sell  well — Gloria  Deo." 

"March  14th. 

"  Perhaps  we  may  go  to  Hudson,  perhaps  to  Whitesbo- 
rough.  We  are  in  the  hands  of  Providence.  My  health 
requires  I  should  be  somewhere  in  the  country.  Trust  in 
Him  whose  arm  is  Omnipotence.  May  the  marrow  and 
fatness  of  the  Gospel  be  applied  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  your 
soul." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  115 

"  March  24th. 
"  I  hope  you  are  doing  well.    You  must  not  despise  the  day 
of  small  things.  I  hope  you  are  actively  useful  in  the  revival." 

"April  12th. 
"  Your  letter  to  Mr.  S.,  was  published  with  the  following 

signature,  T.  G.  A n,  and  it  seems  to  have  been  the 

means  of  awakening  the  attention  of  others,  for  since  that, 
several  accounts  of  revivals  have  appeared." 

"  June  27th. 

"  If  you  find  the  Bible  not  to  do  well  in  Albany,  Troy, 
<Scc.,  1  wish  for  a  week,  you  would  take  up  my  Death  of 
Abdallah,  and  I  will  divide  the  profits  with  you." 

"  Be  much  in  prayer,  and  you  are  safe.  Remember  he 
who  is  to  enter  the  pulpit,  is  to  preach  Jesus  Christ  and 
him  crucified;  therefore,  make  the  Scriptures  your  great 

study." 

"  June,  1814. 
"  Dear  Thomas, — 

"  You  have  it  in  your  power  greatly  to  aid  me,  and  1  now 
need  it.  I  hope  the  spirit  of  the  world  caught  in  Hudson 
or  Albany,  has  not  deadened  your  fire." — "  I  am  afraid  you 
feel  not  so  warm,  as  when  among  the  poor  in  New-Jersey. 
I  speak  because  you  have  been,  and  are  in  the  way  of 
temptation,  among  the  cold  and  thoughtless.  Keep  near 
the  throne,  then  tvill  you  be  active  and  useful. 

"  Ever  your's,  "  B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

The  foregoing  extracts  require  no  comment.  They  speak 
forth  the  language  of  true  devotion  to  God ;  fraternal  soli- 
citude for  my  usefulness  and  permanent  happiness,  and  one 
continued  panting  of  soul  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the 
good  of  his  fellow  man.  May  they  excite  as  grateful 
and  salutary  feelings  in  others,  as  the  recording  of  them 
here,  has  produced  in  my  own  bosom.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

HIS  SETTLEMENT  IN  VIRGINIA APPLIES  FOR  ORDINATION 

PECUNIARY  DIFFICULTIES. 

After  Bishop  Moore  arrived  in  Richmond,  he  forwarded 
to  my  brother  in  Alexandria,  his  license  to  act  as  Lay 
Reader.  The  following  is  a  copy  of  his  letter,  in  connexion 
with  the  certificate. 

"Richmond,  November  25th,  1814. 

"  Dear  Sir  : — From  that  acquaintance  which  Mr.  Wilmer 
must  have,  with  the  different  parishes  in  his  neighbourhood, 
I  should  think  it  advisable  for  you  to  listen  with  great  atten- 
tion to  his  advice.  I  would,  therefore,  recommend  it  to 
you,  to  visit  Shepherdstown,  and  in  case  they  should  not 
afford  you  a  support,  some  other  situation  may  soon  present 
itself  to  view,  more  agreeable  to  your  wishes. 

"  Sunday  week,  I  have  engaged  to  perform  Divine  service 
in  a  vacant  Parish,  about  thirty  miles  distant  from  this  city- 
Should  the  people  discover  a  wish  to  have  the  service  regu- 
larly attended  to ;  and  should  they  also  possess  the  dispo- 
sition to  furnish  a  suitable  support,  I  will  inform  Mr.  Wilmer 
upon  the  subject,  who  will,  I  am  confident,  make  the 
necessary  communication  to  you. 

"  I  should  be  happy  to  ascertain  the  situation  of  your 
brother.  Should  he  have  received  encouragement  at 
Dumfries,  please  to  inform  me  of  the  extent  of  his  expec- 
tations. I  really  feel  very  much  interested  for  him,  and 
shall  be  happy  in  contributing  ail  in  my  power  to  procure 
him  an   establishment. — My  knowledge   of   things   is  at 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  117 

present  very  circumscribed.  After  I  have  visited  the  dif- 
ferent Parishes  in  the  State,  I  shall  have  it  in  my  power  to 
say  more  upon  the  subject  of  vacancies. 

"  It  rejoices  me  to  find  that  your  reception  in  Alexandria, 
has  been  marked  with  such  features  of  cordiality.  If  a  cup 
of  cold  water  given  to  a  disciple,  shall  receive  a  disciple's 
reward,  the  inhabitants  of  that  place  will  reap  abundant 
blessings.  May  their  measure  be  pressed  down  and  running 
over. 

"  I  inclose  you  a  license  to  officiate  as  a  Lay  Reader,  in 
any  Parish  to  which  you  may  be  invited.  It  is  grounded 
upon  the  presumption,  that  the  Standing  Committee  of  the 
Church,  have  acknowledged  you  as  a  candidate  for  Holy 
Orders,  and  are  willing  to  recommend  you  to  me  in  that 
character.  I  mention  this  circumstance  to  you,  in  order 
to  manifest  to  those  gentlemen,  m.y  disposition  to  act  in 
perfect  concert  and  harmony  with  them.  With  my  sincere 
regards  to  Messrs.  Wilmer  and  Morris,  their  families  and 
your  own,  I  remain,  dear  Sir,  your  friend  and  obedient 

RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE. 

"  P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  received  the 
certificate  from  the  Standing  Committee." 

"RicHMOivD,  November  26th,  1814. 
"  This  is  to  certify,  that  Mr.  Benjamin  Allen,  Jr.  has 
expressed  to  me  his  desire  to  be  considered  as  a  candidate 
for  Holy  Orders,  in  the  Church  of  Virginia  committed  to 
my  care.  By  virtue  therefore  of  the  authority  vested  in  me, 
by  the  canons  of  the  said  Church,  I  do  hereby  license  him 
to  read  the  service  prescribed  in  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  and  to  deliver,  at  the  same  time,  such  printed  dis- 
courses as  shall  be  approved  by  myself,  or  by  some  of  the 
clergy  duly  settled  in  the  neighbourhood  in  which  he  may 
be  called  to  officiate  ;  he  continuing  in   the  communion  of 

x2 


118  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  Virginia,  and  conform- 
ing himself  to  those  rules  by  which  it  is  governed." 

"RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE, 
Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church, 

In  the  State  of  Virginia." 

My  Brother  was  directed  to  a  scene  of  labour  over  the 
Blue  Ridge,  a  fertile  and  delightful  region,  but  not  well  sup- 
plied with  the  ministrations  of  the  Gospel.  After  remaining 
a  few  days  in  Alexandria,  he  left  his  family,  and  o«  foot, 
directed  his  course  to  that  country.  He  finally  arrived 
at  the  residence  of  the  Rev.  Wm.  Meade,  in  Frederick 
county,  near  Winchester,  a  distance  of  from  fifty  to  seventy 
miles  from  Alexandria.  From  thence,  he  went  on  to  Mr. 
Beverly  "Whiting's,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Charlestown, 
about  twenty  miles  from  Mr.  Meade's.  After  this,  he  visited 
Charlestown  and  Shepherdstcwn,  in  Jefferson  county,  and 
speedily  made  arrangements  to  settle  in  those  places,  as 
Lay  Reader.  In  about  two  weeks,  he  returned  to  Alexan- 
dria ;  and  in  about  two  weeks  more,  he  removed  his  family 
to  Charlestown  and  its  vicinity.  A  view  of  his  location  is 
presented  in  the  following  letter,  which  he  addressed  to  me, 

dated — 

"  Charlestown,  Jefferson  county,  Va.  > 
January  6th,  1815.  ^ 
"  Very  Dear  Thomas  : — Providence  has  brought  me  to  a 
goodly  land,  where  I  am  surrounded  with  abundance.  Two 
parishes  here,  Charlestown  and  Shepherdstown,  will  afford 
me  a  very  comfortable  living,  and  I  trust  enable  me  to  pay 
up  the  arrearages  of  my  unfortunate  business.  Were  it  to  do 
again,  I  suppose  I  should  undertake  the  same  ;  but  it  was  ex- 
tremely hazardous  :  Well,  the  consequence  is,  that  here  I  am 
settled  down  with  great,  very  great  prospect  of  usefulness, 
and  there,  in  Prince  William,  are  you,  with,  I  trust,  the 
same  prospects.  Let  us  both  be  thankful.  Let  us  try 
more  to  encourage  each  other  to  the  good  work,  and  by 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  119 

mutual  prayer  for  each  other's  success,  give  aid.  Great  is 
the  work,  but  remember  who  has  said,  '  My  grace  is  suffi- 
cient for  thee.' 

"My  salary  is  not  yet  fully  subscribed,  but  it  is  sup- 
posed it  will  be  from  twelve  to  fifteen  hundred  dollars. 
With  this,  I  hope  and  trust  my  Heavenly  Father  will 
enable  me  to  pay  my  debts.  I  suppose  I  am  twelve  or 
fifteen  hundred  dollars  behind  hand.  It  will  cost  me  about 
five  hundred  to  live ;  so  that  with  the  help  of  my  friends, 
now  in  Virginia,  I  hope  to  pay  the  State  of  New-York  folks 
in  a  year  or  two.  Let  me  be  clear  of  debt,  and  have  souls 
enough  to  preach  to,  and  enough  to  eat,  drink,  and  wear 
and  it  is  all  I  want.  I  doubt  not,  the  whole  will,  in  good 
time,  be  granted  me. 

"  I  am  very  much  engaged  preaching  to  the  poor  blacks 
I  go  from  plantation  to  plantation,  and  preach  to  them  in 
the  morning  after  breakfast  or  after  dark,  under  the  eye 
and  guidance  of  their  masters.  They  promise  good  effects 
from  it  already.  Many  true  Christians  have  I  found  among 
them.  Their  situation  requires  close  attention.  I  preach 
almost  as  often  as  once  a  day  to  them  on  some  plantation 
or  other,  and  intend  to  do  so  constantly. 

"  You  may  find  some  masters  who  are  not  pious  them- 
selves ;  in  such  cases,  you  must  proceed  with  the  greatest 
caution  and  prudence.  Remember,  a  little  misguided  zeal 
will  do  more  harm  than  months  can  undo.  Try  to  get  into 
the  good  graces  of  such  masters  first,  and  propose  the  thing 
by  degrees.  Be  wise  as  a  serpent,  and  harmless  as  a  dove. 
Let  this  prudence  guide  all  your  actions.  This  is  the  way 
to  gain  much  influence  and  do  much  good.     Imitate  Mr. 

Wilmer,  be  not  forward  or  positive.  Imitate  not ;  try  not 

with,  knock  me  down  arguments,  to  subdue  every  one  to 
your  will — but  mildly,  but  firmly  pursue  your  duty,  and 
rather  insinuate  the  truth  than  throw  it  at  a  man. 

"  I  know  you  will  be  zealous  and  active,  and  I  trust,  you 


120  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

will  not  neglect  the  poor  slaves.  As  to  the  slaves,  remem- 
ber one  thing,  though  it  was  wrong  to  bring  them  here,  and 
make  them  slaves,  still,  since  so  it  is,  it  is  best  they  remain 
slaves.  Free  them,  and  they  would  destroy  both  them- 
selves and  their  masters.  They  are  better  off  when  with 
good  masters,  than  our  lower  class  of  whites.  Seek  then 
to  make  them  contented  with  their  allotment.  I  find  it 
necessary  to  talk  to  them  just  as  I  would  to  children,  other- 
wise they  cannot  understand. 

"  Let  me  advise  you  as  to  the  mysteries  of  the  Gospel, 
such  as  election,  &c.,  to  say  little  about  them.  The  wisest 
man  on  earth  can  throw  no  light  on  them.  Preaching  them 
is  unprofitable.  Preach,  '  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved.'  Such  was  our  Saviour's 
preaching. 

"  H.  and  G.  are  very  well.  I  am  very  anxious  to  have 
you  give  me  all  the  particulars  about  your  situation. 
Write  soon. 

"I  preach  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  both  parishes. 
In  Shepherdstown,  we  have  a  church  almost  finished.  In 
Charlestown,  is  an  old  one,  but  out  of  town.  They  talk  of 
building  a  new  one. 

"  I  was  much  disappointed  at  your  not  writing  or  com- 
ing to  see  us." 

He  again  writes —  "March  31st. 

"  We  are  very  well,  and  well  situated.  If  all  my  debts 
were  paid,  I  should  be  quite  happy.  Providence  has  ena- 
bled me  to  forward  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  already 
toward  payment,  and  I  hope,  ere  a  great  while,  to  be  free 
from  them.  Truly,  those  who  seek  first  the  Kingdom,  have 
every  thing  added.  Here  we  have  the  finest  friends,  a 
delightful  country,  and  fine  prospects  of  usefulness.  My 
county,  Jefferson,  elected  a  vestry  last  Monday,  for  the 
first  time,  I  suspect,  for  twenty-five  years  :  and  an  adjoining 
county,  Berkley,  in  which  I  have  laboured  some,  has  done 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  121 

the  same.  We  are  much  in  hopes  to  build  up  the 
Church. 

"  I  go  to  Alexandria  about  the  middle  of  May,  and  shall 
thence  go  to  Dumfries  ;  thence  to  Richmond. 

"  The  blacks  here,  hear  me  gladly." — "  I  suspect  I  have 
the  finest  county  in  Virginia." 

"The  court  has  licensed  me,  though  rather  unusual,  to 
marry,  and  last  night  I  received  as  a  first  fee,  twenty 
dollars. 

"  Crowds  attend  Church,  here,  and  as  soon  as  I  have 
power,  or  rather  ordination,  I  hope  to  be  very  useful." 

He  gives  further  account  of  his  extensive  labours  in  the 
following  to  me,  dated — 

"  Martinsboeoxjgh,  Berkeley,  Aug.  15th. 
"  Dear  Thomas  : — My  manifold  engagements  have  so 
consumed  my  attention,  as  to  prevent  my  writing  to  you. 
But  what  has  caused  your  silence  ?  Have  you  seven  congre- 
gations to  attend  to — each  of  which,  to  visit  once  a  fort- 
night ?  Have  you  five  Churches  to  build  or  repair  ?  How- 
ever, I  hope  this  cessation  of  correspondence  will  be  made 
up  by  personal  communion,  for  really  you  must  visit  me. 
It  is  hardly  brotherly  or  uncle-like  not  to  come  to  see  Har- 
riot or  George.  Your  health,  too,  will  be  benefited  by  a 
change  of  air  and  scene,  especially  at  this  season.  Besides, 
you  owe  me  some  help.  I  have  here,  a  most  enormous 
charge,  and  I  want  help  very,  very  much.  Mr.  Wilmer, 
who  is  now  here,  has  given  permission  for  you  to  officiate 
in  my  parishes  when  you  come.  Do  come  next  month  and 
spend  a  fortnight.  You  may  safely  ask  your  people  for  two 
Sabbaths,  one  at  each  place,  and  it  will  take  that  time  to 
go  the  rounds  in  my  parishes.  Mr.  Wilmer  is  to  preach 
among  us  during  the  last  week  in  this  month.  (He  this 
morning  went  to  the  Berkeley  Springs.)     About  that  time 


122  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

or  a  week  after,  the  Bishop  will  be  here,  so  that  if  you  will 
come  about  the  middle  of  September,  or  the  first  of  Octo- 
ber, it  will  be  best.  Much  benefit  will  result  to  both  of  us, 
by  an  interchange  of  ideas  in  a  fortnight's  conversation.  I 
will  show  you  all  this  country,  and  it  is  well  worth  riding  to 
see.  I  will  introduce  you  to  all  my  people,  thus  extending 
your  acquaintance.  Write  to  me,  saying  when  I  may 
expect  you.  Do  not  fail,  as  it  is  really  important  for  your 
good,  as  well  as  my  own."  "We  are  very  well  and  have 
been  so." 

"  Do  }'ou  study  ?  Remember,  my  dear  brother,  you  must 
prepare  for  permanent,  lasting  usefulness.  Get  your  intel- 
lect well  sharpened  by  close  study,  and  your  mind  well 
stored,  and  you  will  do  more  by  and  by  for  the  glory  of 
God  and  the  good  of  souls,  in  one  year,  than  you  can  do 
now  in  five.      Harriot's  love.     Your's  most  truly, 

B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

The  following,  from  Dr.  Mitchell  to  my  brother,  presents 
a  view  of  a  section  of  his  new  charge. 

"  New- York,  August  20th,  1815. 

"  Rev.  and  Esteemed  Sir  : — I  do  myself  the  pleasure  of 
returning  an  immediate  answer  to  your  very  welcome 
favour  of  the  11th  inst.  ^vhich  reached  me  only  this  day. 
It  gratifies  me  to  learn  that  you  are  so  happily  situated, 
and  that  you  know  how  to  value  the  good  which  Providence 
has  allotted  to  you.  I  sincerely  congratulate  you  on  the 
felicity  of  being  called  to  do  your  duty  in  a  region  so  culti- 
vated, among  a  people  so  refined. 

"  Yes,  I  have  been  at  the  junction  of  the  Potomac  and 
the  Shanandoah.  I  was  highly  delighted  with  my  visit  to 
that  picturesque  and  celebrated  place.  I  even  wrote  a 
description  of  the  scenery,  and  a  history  of  the  armory  ; 
which  are  preserved  in  the  pages  of  Dr.  Bruce's  Mineralo- 
gical  Journal.     There  I  traced  Braddock's  route  towards 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  123 

the  fatal  field  of  Monongahala ;  and  there  I  beheld  the 
encampment  which  Pinckney  commanded  during  the  Adams 
administration. 

"You  certainly  dwell  in  a  highly  interesting  region. 
May  you  be  happy,  and  be  the  means  of  rendering  others  so. 

"  You  write  nothing  of  the  poetical  kind.  I  suppose  you 
are  engaged  in  better  and  weightier  matters. 

"  Make  my  respects  to  Mrs.  Allen.  Mrs.  M.  is  in  good 
health,  and  begs  me  to  thank  you  again  for  the  pleasure  she 
takes  in  reading  your  Abdallah  and  other  poetical  works. 
Truly  as  ever,  your's, 

SAMUEL  MITCHELL." 

Tn  some  of  the  foregoing  epistles,  my  brother  mentions 
his  labours  among  the  blacks.  I  present  the  following 
account  which  be  gave  of  one  of  the  old  slaves  he  visited, 
as  it  brings  my  brother  to  our  view  in  such  an  interesting 
light  in  that  new  field,  and  as  it  so  fully  exemplifies  the 
power  of  divine  grace  over  extreme  ignorance  and  long  and 
deep-rooted  depravity. 

"  OLD    P03IPEY." 

"This  old  man  is  an  African  by  birth,  and  is  now 
about  ninety  years  old.  He  knew  nothing  about  the  Gos- 
pel of  Jesus,  until  within  a  year  past.  Always  has  he  been 
remarked  for  his  faithfulness  and  activity.  Though  so 
extremely  old,  and  very  infirm,  still  he  appeared  to  cling 
to  the  world  with  much  afi^ection.  At  length  he  was  told  of 
the  necessity  of  preparing  for  death.  With  great  difficulty 
was  he  made  to  comprehend  the  simple  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel.  By  dint  of  perseverance  and  much  labour,  they 
were  impressed  upon  his  mind.  He  then  saw  his  sinful- 
ness, and  felt  the  necessity  of  prayer,  and  earnestly 
engaged  in  it.  Often  was  he  heard,  when  approaching  his 
cabin,  wrestling  for  the  pardon  of  his  sins,  for  the  sake  of 
his  Saviour.     He  mourned  over  the  hardness  of  his  heart. 


124  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

and  smiting  upon  his  breast,  would  cry  out,  '  Oh  this 
ting  so  bad,  so  wicked,  (meaning  his  heart,)  will  God 
forgive  me !'  He  would  call  to  mind  his  former  sins, 
and  bewail  them  bitterly.  Every  evil  in  his  past  life 
appeared  to  rise  up  to  his  view.  He  wept  over  the 
sins  of  his  youth,  and  over  the  sins  of  his  riper  years. 
His  distress  of  mind  disturbed  him  at  night — he  felt,  he 
said,  as  if  something  come  and  take  him  down,  down  into 
hell,  then  he  cry  to  God,  and  God  have  mercy  upon  him, 
and  give  him  rest." — "When  prayed  with,  he  would  repeat 
the  petitions,  and  his  spirit  seemed  most  earnestly  engaged. 
He  felt  the  necessity  of  laying  aside  his  peevishness  of 
temper.  He  appeared  exceedingly  grateful  for  religious 
conversation  and  prayer.  At  length  his  mind  became  more 
composed,  and  his  hope  in  Christ  considerable.  Aided  by 
that  blessed  Spirit  which  is  always  granted  to  the  prayer  of 
the  cottager,  as  well  as  of  the  crown,  he  began  to  exercise 
an  humble  faith  in  the  Redeemer  of  sinners,  and  to  cast 
himself  upon  him  for  acceptance.  The  tract  of  '  Sambo 
and  Toney'  was  read  to  him.  He  took  much  interest  in 
it.  His  soul  appeared  truly  in  earnest  while  listening  to 
it,  and  at  conclusion,  his  desire  was,  'O  that  I  was  like 
Sambo.'*  On  visiting  him  one  day,  one  of  the  ladies  of 
the  family  asked  him  if  he  was  not  lonely — '  Me  alone, 
mistress  V  says  he  with  emphasis,  '  me  no  alone — God 
with  me.' 

"  At  another  time  he  asked  if  there  was  only  one  sun  and 
moon  to  give  light  to  all  the  world.  On  being  told  there 
was  but  one,  he  exclaimed,  '  what  a  great  God  that  is,  to 
give  light  to  all  this  gieat  world,  with  only  one  sun  and 
moon.'  He  asked  if  the  sun  which  shone  in  this  country, 
was  the  same  that  shine  in  Africa?  When  told  it  was,  he 
seemed  filled  with  awe  at  the  majesty  and  power  of  God. 

*  This  Tract  was  published  by  Bishop  Meade. 


REV.  liENJAMIN  ALLEN.  125 

At  another  time  he  was  alone  in  his  cabin  during  a  very 
severe  storm ;  being  asked  afterwards,  if  he  was  not  alarmed, 
he  said,  '  No — me  asleep  when  the  storm  come — a  loud 
clap  thunder  wake  me — I  start  up — but  den  I  thought,  God 
with  me — God  take  care  me.' 

"  Such  is  old  Pompey.  He  is  ignorant,  but  he  knows  he 
is  a  sinner,  and  that  there  is  a  Saviour.  He  finds  comfort 
in  prayer,  and  society  in  communion  with  God.  He  im- 
proves his  temper  from  a  sense  of  duty.  He  looks  for 
another  and  a  better  world.  He  is  in  the  hands  of  a  God 
who  asks  little  where  little  has  been  given.  He  is  travelling 
to  the  bar  of  a  Judge,  who  will  listen  to  the  prayer  of  faith, 
whether  it  ascend  in  the  broken  accents  of  the  slave,  or 
the  polished  periods  of  the  learned.  The  Infidel  may 
smile  at  this  account  of  old  Pompey,  but  may  my  end  be 
such  as  I  hope  his  will  be,  and  my  home  the  Paradise  to 
which  I  trust  he  is  bound." 

The  above  account  was  published  in  a  periodical,  which 
my  brother  conducted  in  1816. 

The  following  letter  from  Bishop  Moore  to  my  brother, 
gives  some  useful  hints  on  important  subjects,  and  addi- 
tional views  of  my  brother's  movements ;  it  is  therefore 
placed  here. 

"Richmond,  January  3d,  1815. 

"  Dear  Sir : — The  satisfaction  which  you  have  expressed 
in  relation  to  your  present  situation,  is  highly  agreeable  to 
me  ;  and  I  consider  it  as  a  mark  of  that  care  and  attention, 
which  the  Lord  Jesus  entertains  for  his  people. 

"  Separated  as  you  arc,  from  all  your  earthly  connexions, 
the  Saviour  has  manifestly  raised  you  up  friends  to  supply 
their  place,  and  I  indulge  a  hope,  that  he  will  abundantly 
bless  you,  both  in  temporal  and  spiritual  things.  The 
silver  and  the  gold  are  his,  and  so  are  the  cattle  upon  a 
thousand  hills :  and  when  he  has  a  work  to  perform,  or  a 

M 


126  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

design  to  accomplish,  the  means  can  never  be  deficient. 
The  depressed  state  of  the  Church  in  Virginia,  had  excited, 
in  the  minds  of  its  adherents,  a  fear  that  its  extinction  was 
at  hand  ;  and  its  enemies  were  delighted  with  the  idea  that 
it  had  fallen,  no  more  to  rise  :  but,  praised  be  God  !  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness,  I  trust,  has  arisen  with  healing  under  his 
wings,  through  whose  benign  influence  the  apparent  desert 
will  be  made  glad,  and  blossom  like  the  rose.  It  is  a  plant 
which  his  own  right  hand  hath  planted,  and  which,  I  hope, 
will  never  more  be  permitted  to  languish  for  the  want  of 
cultivation ;  but,  through  the  instrumentality  of  faithful 
labourers,  will  spread  forth  its  branches  like  the  cedars  of 
Lebanon. 

"It  is  my  sincere  desire,  that  you  should  live  in  terms 
of  the  most  perfect  friendship,  with  every  denomination  of 
Christians  around  you ;  but  rely  upon  it,  as  a  truth  founded 
upon  experience,  that  a  union  of  affection  must  depend 
upon  a  strict  adherence  to  your  religious  peculiarities. 
Every  man  of  principle  must  be  tenacious  of  the  ground 
upon  which  he  has  erected  his  spiritual  creed,  and  obser- 
vant of  those  leading  features,  which  distinguish  the  society 
to  which  he  belongs.  Union  of  sentiment  and  practice,  is 
the  parent  of  order ;  and  as  order  prevails  in  Heaven,  so 
should  it  prevail  in  the  Church  on  earth.  I  mention  these 
things,  not  to  prevent  you  from  holding  the  most  friendly 
intercourse  with  others,  but  to  secure  a  continuance  of  friendly 
intercourse.  The  leading  members  of  other  denominations 
know  the  rules  by  which  we  have  engaged  to  be  regulated, 
and  they  will  esteem  and  love  us,  in  proportion  to  our 
observance  of  those  rules. 

"  It  pleases  me  to  find  that  the  poor  Africans  are  disposed 
to  listen  to  your  exhortations.  May  the  Lord,  in  mercy, 
give  you  an  abundant  entrance  among  them. 

'■'■■  You  have  expressed  a  wish  to  be  placed  under  the 
direction  of  Mr.  Meade ;  to  his  care  and  attention  I  roost 
cheerfully  confide  you.     The  Church  in  this  state,  I  hope, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  127 

will  always  acknowledge  the  debt  of  gratitude  she  owes 
that  excellent  man.  May  Heaven  prosper  you  both,  and 
bless  you  with  a  double  portion  of  his  grace. 

"  With  respect  to  a  departure  from  the  canons  of  the 
Church,  in  relation  to  your  ordination,  I  cannot  at  this  mo- 
ment express  an  opinion.  She  insists  upon  a  year's  proba- 
tion of  the  candidate  ;  how  far  that  rule  may  be  overlooked, 
the  Standing  Committee  must,  in  some  measure,  judge. 
When  the  Convention  shall  meet,  we  vs^ill  make  it  a  subject 
of  discussion  ;  and  perhaps  may,  from  your  extraordinary 
situation,  relax  a  little  of  its  rigour. 

"  I  have  lately  visited  a  parish,  in  which  I  believe  all 
hopes  of  resuscitation  were  relinquished,  but  was  informed 
yesterday,  that  since  my  labours  among  them,  they  have 
opened  a  subscription,  and  have  already  raised  upwards  of 
five  hundred  dollars  ;  the  moment  I  receive  an  application 
from  them,  it  shall  be  faithfully  attended  to.  Tell  Mr. 
Meade  that  two  Presbyterian  ministers  from  the  north,  have 
applied  to  me  for  livings,  both  of  whom  have  been  recom- 
mended to  me  by  good  Bishop  Griswold.  Should  he  know 
of  any  situations,  I  would  wish  to  be  informed  of  them. 
Wishing  you  the  most  abundant  success,  I  remain,  with 
sincere  love  to  Mr.  Meade  and  your  families,  your  friend 
and  father  in  God, 

"RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE." 

I  have  also  before  me,  a  letter  addressed  to  my  brother, 
from  the  late  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Wilmer,  D.  D.  of  Alexandria, 
embracing  similar  subjects  with  the  above.  But  little  has 
been  presented  to  the  Church  from  his  pen,  whose  praise, 
when  living,  was  in  all  the  churches.  I  therefore  give  the 
following,  hoping  that  it  may  produce  some  grateful  recol- 
lections, and  do  some  good. 

"  Alexandria,  January  30th,  1815. 
"Dear  Sir: — Your  favour  of  the  18th  inst.,  was  handed 
me  by  the  politeness  of  Mr.  Washington.     It  gives  me 


128  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

much  pleasure  to  learn,  that  your  prospects  in  that  country 
are  flattering,  and  pray  that  all  your  expectations  may  be 
realized.  The  difiiculties  to  which  you  allude,  will  require 
all  your  wisdom  and  prudence  to  surmount.  The  collision 
of  religious  interest  too  often  extinguishes  the  meek  and 
Christian  temper.  But  I  indulge  the  hope,  that  your  mode- 
ration, and  withal  your  firmness,  will  finally  triumpLr.  I 
cannot  entirely  subscribe  to  the  sentiment  of  the  poet  in 
these  words, 

'  For  modes  of  faith  let  senseless  bigots  fight, 

His  faith  cannot  be  wrong,  when  life  is  in  the  right.' 

Yet  it  is  certain  that  this  is  the  rule  of  judgment  with  the 
greater  part  of  mankind.  And  they  are  most  apt  to  con- 
clude, that  he  has  most  truth  on  his  side,  who  best  displays 
the  temper  and  conduct  of  a  Christian. 

"  No  man  more  ardently  desires  to  promote  harmony  with 
relation  to  all  other  religious  denominations,  than  myself. 
But  there  will  be,  after  all  our  wishes  and  efforts  to  that 
effect,  some  points  at  least  upon  which  we  must  differ. 
What  then  ?  Shall  we  fall  out  by  the  way  ?  Let  us  agree  to 
differ.  There  being,  however,  a  difference  which  we  cannot 
prevent,  there  can  be  an  union  only  to  a  certain  degree  ; 
and  when  you  would  force  it  beyond  its  natural  limits,  dis- 
ruption certainly  ensues.  In  my  experience  upon  this 
subject,  I  have  always  found  that  the  objects  of  harmony 
are  best  promoted,  by  preserving  the  proper  bounds.  Every 
sacrifice  that  is  made,  by  way  of  accommodation,  will  be 
unavailing,  while  there  is  any  other  yet  to  be  made.  Civi- 
lity and  good  friendship,  with  good  words,  generally  turn 
away  wrath,  and  these  we  can  practice,  without  any  aban- 
donment of  our  peculiarities.  But  let  us  never  give  up 
principle  and  solemn  obligation.  If  we  did,  our  enemies 
would  cease  to  respect  us.  In  all  this,  we  require  the  wis- 
dom of  the  serpent,  and  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove.  It 
behoves  us  always,  therefore,  to  pray  that  God  would  direct 


RKV.    BENJAMLV  ALLEN.  l'^9 

US  with  his  most  gracious  favour,  and  teach  us    what  is 
right. 

"  The  sickness  with  whicli  we  are  visited,  seems  some- 
what to  have  abated,  and  I  indulge  the  hope,  that  it  will 
please  a  gracious  Providence  to  arrest  its  progress." 

"  Upon  the  subject  of  your  ordination;  at  a  period  earlier 
than  that  presented  b)'  the  canon,  I  have  only  time  to  say, 
that  at  present,  the  obligations  of  the  canon  seem  to  be 
imperious,  and  to  admit  of  no  dispensing  power  in  the 
Committee. 

"  Mrs.  W.  unites  in  love  to  Mrs.  Allen,  and  Mr.  Whit- 
ing's family.     I  am,  very  sincerely,  your  friend,  &c. 

»  W.  H.  WILMER." 

My  brother's  situation  was  peculiar.  He  had  before  him 
a  large  extent  of  country,  and  he  was  the  only  properly 
authorized  person  to  whom  the  multitude  could  look  for 
the  services  of  the  Church;  and  the  people  were  craving 
the  ordinances  of  the  house  of  God,  of  which  they  had  so 
long  been  deprived.  By  my  brother's  unwearied  efforts 
to  unfold  to  them  the  mysteries  of  the  Gospel,  their  minds, 
no  doubt,  were  very  much  enlightened  and  animated,  and 
their  desires,  consequently,  much  more  ardent  for  all  the 
blessed  privileges  of  the  Sanctuary.  Thus  an  application 
was  made  by  the  people  for  his  ordination,  as  we  learn  from 
the  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  John  R.  Cooke,  rela- 
tive to  the  Vestry  of  Berkeley  county,  dated  "  Martinsburg, 
May  31st — The  Vestry  have  directed  their  representative 
to  present  their  petition  for  your  ordination." 

The  same  letter  also  contains  a  call  for  my  brother  to 
officiate  regularly  to  that  people  for  a  time. 

By  letters  from  Mr.  Wilmer,  we  learn  something  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Standing  Committee,  relative  to  my 
brother's  ordination  before  the  time  contemplated  by  the 
canon ;  and  also,  of  some  other  matters  of  rule  or  order, 
perhaps,  to  which  he  may  not  have  been  sufficiently  attentive 

m2 


130  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Alexandria,  June  26th,  1815. 
"Dear  Sir: — The  Standing  Committee  addressed  you,  a 
few  days  since,  upon  a  delicate  subject,  but  they  entertain 
the  hope,  that  you  will  take  it  in  good  part.  I  have  under- 
taken to  assure  them,  from  my  knowledge  of  your  character, 
that  you  will ;  and  I  can  assure  you,  on  our  part,  it  was  most 
sincerely  intended.  Even  our  enemies  are  often  very  useful 
to  us,  and  sometimes  draw  truer  likenesses  of  us  than  our 
friends.  We  admire  your  zeal,  and  respect  your  talents, 
and  it  is  that  these  may  have  their  full  effect  in  the  cause 
of  the  Church,  and  that  occasion  may  be  taken  from  those 
who  desire  occasion,  that  we  wish  your  virtues  to  be  accom- 
panied by  no  foil.  I  rejoice  in  the  prospect  you  have  of 
doing  good  ;  but  it  has  been  always  my  desire  to  be  candid 
and  frank  in  all  my  conduct,  and  therefore  cannot  refrain 
from  the  wish,  that  you  may  conform  yourself  to  that  course 
which  may  secure  your  lasting  respectability  and  usefulness. 
Believing  that  this  will  be  the  case,  I  have  no  hesitation  in 
expressing  my  readiness  to  obviate,  as  far  as  possible,  the 
difficulty  of  the  canon  which  exists  with  regard  to  the  time 
of  your  ordination." 

Mr.  Wilmer  again  writes, —  "July  8th. 

"  Your's  of  the  2d  inst.,  came  to  hand  yesterday.  It 
afforded  me  the  gratifying  proof,  that  I  was  not  mistaken  in 
the  candour  and  goodness  of  your  disposition.  There  are 
too  few  of  those  in  the  world,  and  in  the  Church  too,  who 
have  sufficient  genuine  friendship,  to  tell  their  friends  their 
faults.  There  are  enough  who  will  talk  about  them,  but 
few  who  will  take  upon  themselves  the  odium  of  plain  deal- 
ing, and  the  risk  of  offending  in  so  doing.  But  we  arc 
bound  to  watch  over  each  other,  as  those  who  must  give  an 
account.  We  cannot  too  fervently  and  too  constantly  pray. 
We  cannot  too  scrupulously  and  jealously  examine  our- 
selves, and  the  secret  springs  and  motives  of  our  actions, 
lest  we  at  last  have  all  the  trouble,  without  the  reward  of 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  131 

well  doing.  Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things?  If  the 
Apostle  had  reason  to  adopt  this  language,  how  much  more 
cause  have  we ;  we,  who  are  as  far  removed  in  piety,  as  in 
time  1 

"  In  the  course  of  the  summer,  I  hope  to  visit  your 
country ;  and  if  it  pleases  God  to  permit  it,  I  will  send  you 
previous  notice." 

I  cheerfully  add  another  extract  from  the  epistle  of 
this  judicious  counsellor  and  faithful  friend  to  my  brother. 

"December  12th,  1815. 

"  Dear  Friend  : — I  send  you  Milner's  Church  History, 
which  will  answer  as  well  as  Mosheim  for  the  present.  You 
will  be  pleased  to  take  particular  care  of  it,  as  it  belongs  to 
the  library." 

"  I  am  very  sorry  to  tell  you  that  my  application  to  the 
Committee  for  your  testimonial  failed.  They  all  seemed 
to  regret  it,  but  said  they  could  not  conscientiously  get 
over  the  letter  of  the  canon.  All  that  I  can  say  then,  is, 
you  must  have  patience,  and  be  the  more  zealous  in  your 
duties,  and  in  preparing  for  the  ministry.  Disappoint- 
ments are  often  most  useful  to  us,  and  we  should  therefore 
submit  to  them  cheerfully,  both  on  that  account,  and 
because  they  happen  according  to  the  arrangements  of 
Providence. 

"  Mrs.  W.  unites  in  love  to  Mrs.  Allen.  Believe  me 
affectionately  your  friend,  W.  H.  WILMER." 

It  has  already  been  intimated,  that  when  my  brotlier 
removed  from  New-York,  his  pecuniary  concerns  were  in 
a  very  unsettled  state.  In  fact,  he  was  considerably  in 
debt,  and  could  not  at  the  time  command  the  means  of  pay- 
ment. I  presume  that  these  difficulties  arose  in  part,  from 
the  ciicumstance  of  his  having  had  conveyed  to  him,  in  the 
course  of  the  exchange  and  sale  of  his  books,  so  much  real 
estate.  His  great  expectations  from  this  source,  no  doubt, 
led  him  to  multiply  his  engagements,  and  when  he  found 


132  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

himself  here  disappointed,  his  embarrassments  were  nearly 
overwhelming ;  and  suits  were  commenced  against  him 
in  a  number  of  cases.  But,  as  some  of  the  preceding  let- 
ters evidence,  it  was  among  the  first  of  his  concerns  and 
labours,  after  his  removal  to  Virginia,  to  liquidate  these 
claims.  It  seems,  however,  that  my  brother  and  some  of 
his  claims  fell  into  unfortunate  hands.  As  he  could  not 
satisfy  their  demands  at  the  time  required,  injurious 
reports  were  circulated  to  the  north,  and  followed  him 
to  the  south,  which  were  calculated  to  injure  his  reputa- 
tion, and  obscure  his  opening  prospects.  But,  thanks  to 
that  God  who  always  makes  a  way  of  escape  for  those  who 
trust  in  him,  all  these  weapons,  though  so  deadly  aimed, 
fell  innoxious  at  his  feet. 

A  friend  of  my  brother,  who  was  acquainted  with  him 
from  his  youth,  and  who  is  now  one  of  the  most  influential 
clergymen  of  our  Church  in  New-England,  wrote  to  him  at 
this  time. 

In  speaking  of  my  brother's  wife,  he  observes — 
"  Her  feelings  must  have  been  peculiarly  alive   to  the 
injuries   which   your   personal    enemies    have  attempted 
against  you.     But  I  trust  her  consolations  are  sufficient  for 
all  trials." 

In  another  letter  of  July  25th,  1815,  he  writes — 

"  My  Friend  ; — Your  favour  of  the  30th  ult.  was  duly 
received,  and  agreeably  to  your  request,  I  have  addressed 
a  line  to  Mr.  Wilmer.  I  was  obliged  in  candour  to  allude 
to  the  reports  which  have  been  propagated  against  you 
since  your  departure  from  New-York.  I  have  spoken  of 
them,  however,  exactly  as  they  strike  my  mind  ;  and  I  trust, 
without  any  undue  partiality,  favour,  or  affection.  I  have 
merely  alluded  to  them  generally,  and  have  stated  my 
belief,  as  to  the  nature  and  object  of  them.  Should  you 
see  Mr.  Wilmer,  I  should  like  to  have  you  peruse  the  let- 
ter.    Should  it  be  serviceable  to  you,  I  shall  be  glad. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  133 

"  I  rejoice  at  the  fine  prospects  of  the  Church  in  Vir- 
ginia, and  at  the  flattering  appearances  with  respect  to 
yourself  and  brother.  Remember  me  affectionately  to  him 
and  to  Mrs.  A.,  and  believe  me  most  sincerely  and  cordially, 
your's,  &c.  H.  CROSWELL. 

"  Let  me  hear  from  you  often." 

A  correspondence  which  took  place  between  Bishop 
Moore  and  my  brother  on  this  subject,  will  present  the  case 
in  a  proper  light. 

"Richmond,  December  13th,  1815. 

"Dear  Sir: — I  have  lately  received  a  letter  from  the 
North,  complaining  very  much  of  your  want  of  punctuality 
in  discharging  your  accounts.  The  individual,  whose 
name  I  forget,  expresses  himself  with  great  acerbity.  I 
would  therefore  recommend  it  to  you,  either  to  settle  with 
him,  or  so  to  adjust  matters,  as  to  preclude  any  further 
application  to  me.  I  have  not  answered  the  letter  above 
alluded  to,  as  the  writer  of  it  discovered  a  temper  so  violent 
as  to  disgust  me.  You  must,  however,  take  immediate 
measures  to  satisfy  him,  or  he  will  certainly  expose  you  to 
difficulty. 

"  A  second  application  has  also  been  made  to  me  through 
the  medium  of  Mr.  B.,  of  this  city,  who  informs  me  that  he 
has  been  asked  by  some  gentlemen  from  the  North,  for  the 
place  of  your  residence.  The  object  of  the  inquiry  he  has 
not  stated,  but  as  it  may  be  of  the  same  nature  with  the 
above,  I  could  wish  you  so  to  arrange  your  business,  as  to 
secure  yourself  against  such  attacks. 

"  I  sincerely  hope  that  the  Standing  Committee  may  not 
hear  from  the  ill-natured  man  who  addressed  me,  respect- 
ing his  bill,  as  it  would  render  them  indisposed  to  assist 
you  ;  the  way  therefore  to  prevent  such  a  difficulty,  would 
be  to  settle  his  bill  without  delay.  It  is  my  duty  also  to 
state  to  you,  that  these  matters  must  be  adjusted  prior  to 
your  ordination. 


134  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  You  must  receive  this  communication  as  an  evidence 
of  my  friendship  for  you,  but  although  I  will  withhold  from 
you  no  good  office  in  my  power,  still  I  cannot  consent  to 
change  the  ground  upon  which  you  now  stand,  until  the 
lips  of  your  accusers  are  closed. 

"  I  have  received  your  letter  of  December  5th,  but  shall 
not  be  able  to  act  in  the  case  of  the  congregation  in 
Martinsburg,  until  I  receive  some  official  communication 
from  the  Vestry  of  that  Church.  I  will  thank  you  to  men- 
tion this  to  Mr.  P.,  and  endeavour  by  your  influence  to 
forward  the  business. 

"Believe  me  in  great  truth  your  sincere  friend, 

"  RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE." 

To  the  above,  my  brother  gave  the  following  answer. 

"  Charlestown,  Jefferson  Co.,  Dec.  27th,  1815. 
"  Beloved   Sir : — When  housekeeping   in  New-York,   I 

dealt  with  N —  P &  Co.,  of  Broadway.  Their  bill  was 

about  one  hundred  and  twenty  dollars,  of  which  I  paid  fifty 
dollars  before  T  left  the  city.  I  signified  my  fear  to  them, 
that  I  should  be  obliged  to  go  for  some  money  due  me  in 
Pennsylvania,  before  they  got  the  balance.  I  came  on — 
I  did  not  get  that  money — I  came  then  to  Virginia.  Almost 
immediately  on  my  settlement  here,  I  enclosed  a  sum  of 
money  to  J.  H.  C,  Esq.,  Wall  Street,  N.  Y.,  requesting 
him  to  pay  ten  dollars  of  it  to  N.  P.  &  Co.,  as  an  earnest 
and  assurance  of  more  to  be  received  soon.     Some  time 

after,  T  received  a  scandalous  letter  from  one ,  a  man 

I  never  saw  or  heard  of,  demanding  payment  of  the  money 
due  Mr.  P.,  stating  the  amount  to  be  one  hundred  and 
eighty  dollars,  which  was  one  hundred  and  ten  dollars  too 
much.  Of  this  letter,  I  of  course  took  no  notice.  About 
the  same  time,  he  wrote  to  my  friend  John  Baker,  Esq. 
requesting  him  to  sue  me.     J.  B.  wrote   him   word,   he 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  135 

would,  instead  thereof,  forward  the  amount  justly  due,  pro- 
vided he  would  properly  state  his  demand,  which  he 
failed  to  do.  Afterward  Mr.  Baker  was  in  Philadelphia, 
and  tried  to  find  out  this  man,  but  nobody  that  he  saw 
knew  him.  We  became  at  last  suspicious  of  his  right  to 
receive  the  money,  and  I  wrote  to  N.  P.  &  Co.  to  know 
whether  he  had  a  right ;  if  not,  I  would  forward  them  the 
money.     This  letter  was  not  answered. 

"Again  he  wrote  to  Mr.  Baker.  Mr.  B.  told  me  he 
would  again  write  him,  that  if  he  would  forward  a  correct 
account,  and  proof  that  he  had  a  right  to  receive  the  money, 
he  would  forward  it.  And  the  money  is  now  in  Mr. 
Baker's  hands  waiting  for  him  so  to  do.  He  has  adopted  a 
system  of  scandalous  coercion  in  order  to  get  of  me,  money 
I  do  not  owe.  Part  of  that  system  is  his  writing  to  you. 
Never  can  I  consent  to  pay  an  unjust  demand. 

"  As  I  have  been  under  the  necessity  of  educating 
myself  without  any  extrinsic  aid,  I  am  necessarily  in  debt. 
It  is  a  debt  which  does  me  honour.  It  is  a  debt  contracted 
in  raising  a  family,  sunk  by  adversity,  to  usefulness.  This 
debt,  however,  is  rapidly  diminishing;  for,  before  I  left 
New-York,  I  paid  a  great  portion  of  it ;  and  since  my  set- 
tlement here,  I  have  forwarded  four  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars to  lessen  it,  and  now  I  have  about  five  hundred  dollars 
due  me  here,  the  greatest  part  of  which  will  be  devoted,  as 
soon  as  collected,  to  the  same  purpose." — "  I  am  sorry  to 
trouble  you  with  so  tedious  an  account  of  my  private  affairs, 
but  I  know  the  interest  you  take  in  my  welfare,  and  the 
desire  you  must  justly  feel  on  such  an  occasion  to  possess 
a  statement  of  facts. 

"  One  great  difficulty  I  meet  with  is,  that  I  can  get  little 
else  beside  unchartered  money  to  forward,  which  will  not 
pass  in  New-York  even  at  discount. 

"  It  would  be  much  to  my  advantage,  were  my  accounts 
due  in  Virginia.  It  would  give  me  much  pleasure  to  forward 


136  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

money  to  Mr.  R.,  if  he  has  any  demand  as  agent,  instead  of 
forwarding  it  to  New-York. 

"  The  business  in  Berkeley  shall  be  attended  to. 
"  Your's,  most  respectfully,  with  filial  affection, 

B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

My  brother,  some  time  after  the  above,  wrote  again  to  the 
Bishop,  who  gave  the  following  answer. 

"Richmond,  March  8th,  1816. 

"  Dear  Sir  : — The  representation  which  I  made  you  some 
time  since,  relative  to  a  letter  which  I  had  received  from 
the  North  upon  the  subject  of  your  pecuniary  concerns, 
was  but  of  a  partial  nature.  From  motives  of  delicacy  to 
you,  1  concealed  from  your  observation  some  of  the  writer's 
remarks  ;  but  conceiving  it  to  be  my  duty  to  press  the  set- 
tlement of  his  demand,  I  took  the  liberty  of  suggesting  to 
you  my  wishes. 

"  I  indulge  a  hope,  that  before  this  shall  reach  you,  that 
unpleasant  transaction  will  be  finally  adjusted ;  for  should 
he  write  to  the  Standing  Committee  upon  the  subject,  and 
make  to  them  the  same  statement  he  has  done  to  me,  they 
would  consider  it  their  duty  to  explore  the  whole  ground, 
before  they  would  write  a  recommendation  in  your  behalf." 
— "  I  think  I  mentioned  to  you  in  my  last  letter,  that  his 
communication  had  much  disgusted  me !  Viewing  you 
through  the  medium  of  friendship,  and  no  stranger  to  the 
difficulties  under  which  you  have  laboured,  I  conceived 
that  the  man  meant  to  stop  at  no  point  short  of  your 
destruction ;  my  resentment  against  him  was  therefore 
excited  by  the  acerbity  of  his  expressions,  and  the  malig- 
nity of  his  charges.  I  have  therefore  taken  no  further 
notice  of  his  letter,  than  by  the  statement  which  1  afforded 
you. 

"  In  any  letters  which  you  may  receive  from  me,  I  would 
wish  you  to  observe,  that  I  address  you   with   the   most 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  137 

friendly  intentions,  and  that  I  shall  always  be  happy  to  hear 
of  your  welfare,  and  to  contribute  to  your  comfort. 

"  Believe  me  your  friend  and  father  in  Christ  Jesus, 

"RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE. 

"  P.  S.  /  am  rejoiced  to  hear  of  the  revival  of  religion  in 
your  district.  May  Jehovah  bring  to  maturity  the  work  he 
has  begun.'''' 

My  brother's  desire  to  satisfy  every  just  demand  against 
him,  and  also  the  kindly  sympathies  of  his  people  in  his 
pecuniary  difficulties,  were  displayed  in  the  following  facts. 
His  Vestry,  or  individuals  of  his  Vestry,  by  having  his  case 
placed  before  them,  were  induced  to  make  arrangements  to 
have  advanced  to  him,  for  the  purpose  of  liquidating  his 
debts,  a  very  considerable  sum,  I  believe  one  thousand 
dollars :  And  this  truly  benevolent  act  vv^as  done  on  their 
own  individual  responsibility,  with  no  other  security  than 
a  kind  Providence.  My  brother  was  to  refund,  as  the 
Lord  gave  him  ability.  But  should  he  be  called  hence, 
before  he  had  been  enabled  to  cover  the  amount,  it  was  to 
be  their  loss. 

May  the  Lord  return  into  the  bosoms  of  those  friends  in 
need,  or  into  the  bosoms  of  their  families,  ten  thousand  fold 
in  this  world,  and  in  the  world  to  come,  life  everlasting. 

The  above  facts  I  give  as  the  amount  of  an  interview  I 
had  with  my  brother  on  the  subject  at  the  time,  as  nearly 
as  I  can  recollect. 

I  think  it  probable  that  he  refers  to  the  above  loan  in  a 

letter  to  me — 

"July  10th,  1818. 

"  I  expect  our  father  in  the  course  of  ten  days.     I  sent 

him  one  hundred  dollars,  to  enable  him  to  come,  and  nine 

hundred  dollars  toward  the  payment  of  my  debts. 

"  Your's,  truly,  B.  ALLEN." 


CHAPTER  IX. 

PUBLISHES    THE  LAY3IAN's    MAGAZINE FURTHER  VIEWS    OF 

HIS     EXTENSIVE    LABOURS    IN     VIRGINIA HIS     SUCCESS 

RECEIVES    deacon's    ORDERS. 

My  brother  had  not  been  long  settled  in  Virginia  before, 
from  his  anxious  desire  to  benefit  his  own  people,  and  the 
cause  of  the  Church  generally,  he  was  led  to  engage  in  the 
publication  of  a  periodical,  of  eight  pages  a  week. 

He  writes  to  me  on  this  subject — 

"  Charlestown,  Jefferson  Co.,  Dec.  5th,  1815. 
"  Dear  Thomas : — I  am  publishing  for  the  use  of  my  peo- 
ple, a  paper  called  the  Layman's  Magazine.  I  have  directed 
the  publisher  to  send  the  first  numbers  to  you.  I  wish  to  have 
this  widely  circulated,  as  I  shall  take  great  pains  to  insert 
such  materials  as  shall  convince  the  people  there  is  piety 
in  our  Church,  and  that  she  is  flourishing  in  other  lands 
beside  Virginia.  If  you  like  it,  I  wish  you  would  get  your 
people  to  take  it,  and  send  me  their  names  as  speedily  as 
possible — 81:50  per  annum,  published  weekly.  I  have 
nothing  to  do  with  it,  except  furnishing  the  matter.  I  wish 
you  would  take  pains  to  circulate  it,  for  I  believe  it  will  do 
good.    I  shall  draw  largely  from  the  Christian  Observer." 

He  again  writes — 

"  My  interest  in  it  is  merely  spiritual,  but  that  is  a  deep 

one." "  The  printer    in    Martinsburg  has  generously 

undertaken  to  issue  it  at  his  own  risk,  and  I  must  see  him 
unhurt  in  it." 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  139 

Mr.  Wilmer  writes  to  my  brother  on  the  subject,  giving 
his  counsel. 

"  Alexandria,  April  19th,  1816. 

"  Dear  Friend : — I  have  received  some  of  the  num- 
bers of  your  Magazine,  and  have  to  thank  you  for  the 
zeal  which  has  prompted  you  to  such  efforts  for  promot- 
ing the  cause  of  Religion  and  the  Church.  There  are 
some  things  in  it,  however,  which  appear  to  have  passed 
through  the  press  so  rapidly,  as  not  to  have  received  your 
corrections." 

After  alluding  to  the  particular  piece,  Mr.  Wilmer  pro- 
ceeds— 

"  Your  goodness  will  excuse  these  strictures,  and  ascribe 
it  to  my  sincere  regard  for  the  reputation  of  a  work  which 
is  identified  somewhat  with  your  own,  and  with  that  of  the 
Church.  It  is  one  of  the  delicate  parts  of  the  duty  of  an 
editor,  to  decide  upon  the  merits  of  his  correspondent's 
productions,  and  he  often  is  tempted  to  sacrifice  to  friend- 
ship, what  is  due  to  truth  and  duty.  You  will,  however, 
soon  perceive  that  you  must  exercise  the  painful  task  of 
rejecting  such  communications  as  will  tend  to  disparage  a 
work  which  may  become  so  highly  useful.  As  your  own 
time  must  be  too  much  occupied  to  admit  of  your  furnish- 
ing it  with  much  original  matter,  I  think  you  cannot  do 
better  than  to  extract  from  the  Christian  Observer." — 
These  extracts,  "  together  with  such  original  matter  as  you 
can  procure,  worthy  of  insertion,  and  local  intelligence, 
will  make  it  a  very  valuable  vehicle  of  instruction  to  the 
members  of  the  Church.  You  will  consider  me  a  sub- 
scriber, and  be  kind  enough  to  send  me  the  anterior 
numbers. 

«  Your  sincere  friend,  W.  H.  WILMER." 

The  first  number  of  this  work  was  published  with  the 
following  title — 

"  The  Layman's   Magazine."     "  Thou  shalt  love  the 


l40  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  with  all  thy  soul,  and 
tcith  all  thy  mind — and  thy  neighbour  as  thyself. 
"  Martinsburg,  Nov.  16th,  1815." 

My  brother  thus  introduces  it  to  the  public — 

"  Every  new  enterprise  in  which  man  engages,  should  be 
preceded  by  looking  to  God  for  his  blessing :  Therefore,  in 
the  commencement  of  these  our  labours,  we  pray — ^Direct 
us,  oh  Lord,  in  all  our  doings,  tmth  thy  most  gracious 
favour,  and  further  us  with  thy  continual  help;  that  in  all 
our  works  begun,  continued,  and  ended  in  thee,  ice  may  glo- 
rify thy  holy  name;  and  finally,  by  thy  mercy,  obtain  ever- 
lasting life,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen.'' 

"  We  live  in  astonishing  times.  Revolution  after  revolu- 
tion stalks  across  our  field  of  vision.  The  very  elements  of 
society  seem  in  wild  uproar.  The  pillars  of  ancient  king- 
doms totter  to  their  fall.  Empires  themselves  crumble  in 
the  dust.  We  behold  not  a  few  thousands,  as  in  former 
years,  but  millions  marshalled  to  the  field  of  combat.  We 
see  the  blood  of  the  human  family  rolling  in  torrents  ;  we 
hear  the  groans  of  myriads  of  orphans.  The  destroying 
angel  is  hurling  tempest  after  tempest  of  desolation  across 
the  face  of  the  globe.  To  just  judgment  has  Omnipotence 
arisen  !  He  has  a  controversy  with  the  powers  that  be — 
he  is  visiting  for  iniquity — he  is  punishing  crime. 

"  Amid  all  these  horrors,  it  is  delightful  to  perceive  that 
the  sceptre  of  Immanuel  is  extending  its  sway.  '  When 
judgments  are  abroad  in  the  earth,  the  inhabitants  thereof 
learn  righteousness.'  This  is  now  proving.  Sensible  of 
their  former  folly,  men  are  beginning  more  generally  to  do 
their  duty  to  their  God.  In  Christendom,  a  spirit  of  fervent, 
active,  energetic  piety,  is  widely  reviving.  We  behold 
Bible  Societies  multiplying  throughout  two  continents. 
We  see  those  continents  not  only  engaged  for  their  own 
good,  but  putting  forth  their  hand  to  help  their  sisters,  Asia 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  141 

and  Africa.  One  consentaneous  exertion  is  making  by  the 
soldiers  of  the  cross  in  every  corner  of  the  world.  We  pre- 
sume it  not  too  much  to  say,  that  more  is  now  doing  for  the 
spread  of  the  Gospel,  than  has  been  done  at  any  period 
during  the  preceding  fifteen  hundred  years. 

"  We  know, 

'  Jesus  shall  reign,  wher'er  the  sun 
Does  his  successive  journeys  run :' 
"  Therefore,  we  cannot  but  hope  that  the  times  now  passing 
over  us  are  indications  of  the  great  millennium. 

"  Such  being  the  case,  it  must  be  interesting  to  all,  to 
watch  events  as  they  rise,  to  note  them  as  they  pass.  Every 
Christian  must  delight  in  observing  the  progress  of  the 
cross  in  its  march  to  universal  empire. 

"  Our  object  is  to  act  as  heralds  of  that  cross.  To 
announce  to  our  readers,  from  time  to  time,  the  state  of  the 
spiritual  war.  We  propose,  when  the  banner  of  Immanuel 
shall  be  planted  amid  the  ruins  of  any  new  conquest— of 
any  newly  demolished  temple  of  idolatry — to  publish  the 
glad  tidings.  We  wish,  as  humble  followers,  to  watch 
'  the  flight  of  that  angel  who  has  the  everlasting  Gospel  to 
preach' — to  declare  what  new  climes  have  listened  to  his 
voice — what  new  altars  have  bowed  beneath  his  sway. 

"  '  Essays  to  do  good,'  will,  from  time  to  time,  appear  in 
our  pages.  We  shall  also  strive  to  portray  the  glories  of 
the  departing  Christian,  as  we  may  have  opportunity.  Such 
of  the  flowers  of  Castalia  as  have  been  sprinkled  from  the 
sacred  fount,  we  shall  with  pleasure  present  to  our  readers. 

"In  the  name  of  the  Lord  lift  we  up  our. banner,  and 
commence  a  crusade  against  pride,  profligacy,  lukewarm- 
ness  and  ignorance.  May  the  Spirit  of  grace  accompany 
our  progress,  and  make  it  effVictual  to  the  everlasting  salva- 
tion of  many.  Then  shall  we  obtain  the  reward,  and  all 
the  reward  we  seek.  THE  EDITOR. 

''  3Iartinsburg,  Nov.  16th,  1615." 
n2 


142  MEMOIil  OF  THE 

We  cannot  refrain  giving  an  extract  from  his  New -Year's 
Address,  as  given  in  one  of  the  numbers  of  the  Magazine. 
May  some  careless  soul  be  thus  impressed. 

"  We  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told." 

"Awful  thought!  man,  whose  hours  areas  evanescent 
as  the  sunbeam,  whose  years  fly  rapidly  as  the  morning 
vapour  around  the  mountain's  brow  ;  man,  who,  when  once 
he  enters  eternity's  unbounded  vast,  remains  for  ever  un- 
changeably the  same,  happy  or  miserable, — he  spends  the 
short  time  allotted  for  preparation,  thoughtless  and  uncon- 
cerned. Like  the  cork  along  the  stream,  he  glides  onward 
to  judgment's  irrevocable  sentence,  careless  and  heedless, 
save  of  the  straws  that  surround  him. 

"  The  greatest  phenomenon  that  ever  presented  itself  to 
the  eye  of  observation,  is  that  of  an  immortal  being,  careless 
whether  the  home  in  which  he  is  to  be  irreversibly  fixed, 
be  Heaven  or  Hell.  Scarce  bestowing  a  thought  on  futu- 
rity, even  although  he  is  assured,  by  authority  he  cannot 
doubt,  that  his  fate  is  in  his  own  hands. 

"  Man,  thou  art  this  wonderful  phenomenon.  Miserable 
in  the  condition  you  now  suffer,  lying  under  the  wrath  of 
an  offended  God,  exposed  to  everlasting  vengeance.  You 
seek  not  to  escape  from  your  wo;  you  strive  not  to  ward 
off  the  impending  damnation. 

"God,  that  Almighty,  whom  by  your  sins  you  have 
offended,  has,  in  the  abundance  of  his  mercy,  provided  a 
way  of  escape  for  you :  Jesus-Jehovah  has  come  down, 
and  bled  for  your  salvation  ;  the  Divine  Volume  of  inspired 
warning  calls  on  you  to  escape  to  felicity,  invites  you  to 
partake  those  bounteous  benefactions  which  infinite  fulness 
showers  around  Heaven ;  the  dispensations  of  Providence 
warn  you  to  prepare  for  the  hour  of  retribution  ;  still  ye  go, 
one  to  his  farm,  another  to  his  merchandise,  inattentive 
alike  to  warning  or  blessing.  Think  ye  this  shall  be  so 
much  longer  ?  Think  ye,  Omnipotence  will  another  year 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN  143 

delay? — This  day  consummates  a  new  season  of  grace 
sinned  away  ;  another  term  of  trial,  gone  for  ever  ! — Buried 
in  the  volume  of  the  past,  it  returns  no  more  to  you,  but  a 
faithful  registry  has  it  rendered  at  Heaven's  high  chancery, 
of  all  your  thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  during  its  flight ; 
yes,  witness  will  it  against  you  at  the  tremendous  bar  before 
an  assembled,  a  listening  universe.  It  will  tell  of  every 
sin  committed,  of  every  sermon  misimproved.  It  will  testify 
of  all  your  wickedness,  all  your  contempt  of  God  and  his 
word  ;  all  your  neglect  of  his  Sabbaths  ;  all  your  inattention 
to  the  warnings  of  his  Providence  ; — the  whole  black  cata- 
logue will  it  bring  forth  against  you,  and  conscience  will  be 
its  corroborating  aid."         *         *         *         *         * 

"  We  spend  our  years  as  a  tale  that  is  told.  The  last 
year,  where  is  it?  A  few  hours  since,  and  it  was  here;  a 
few  months,  and  we  were  but  commencing  it : — and  now, 
it  is  gone  for  ever ! ! — Son  of  mortality  !  Child  of  dust  and 
ashes  !  how  hast  thou  improved  it  ? — Hast  thou  in  it  secured 
thy  soul's  salvation  ? — Another  year  of  thy  probation  has 
fled ;  another  year  of  the  forbearance  of  God  has  ceased. 
How  knowest  thou  that  yet  another  will  be  allowed  thee  ? 
Death,  like  the  hurricane,  sweeps  along.  Before  him  falls 
the  strong,  as  well  as  the  weak ;  the  oak  as  well  as  the 
willow.  Look  !  he  is  coming ;  already  whistle  his  precur- 
sive  blast !  Being  of  an  hour  !  thou  shalt  be  swept  before 
him,  ere  another  year  arrives — who  of  you,  I  know  not,  but 
some  of  you  must  fall,  ere  the  present  year  shall  have 
folded  its  weary  wing.  Yes,  some  of  you  shall  go  to  the 
narrow  home,  and  when  the  morn  of  another  year  dawns, 
the  wind  shall  whistle  mournfully  around  your  grave.  Come, 
then,  prepare.  Now  you  have  an  opportunity  again  to  hear 
the  sound  of  the  Gospel.  Again  I  invite  you  to  Jesus,  the 
friend  of  the  repenting  sinner.  I  point  out  to  you  God, 
the  Father  to  the  returning  prodigal ; — I  tell  you  once  more 
of  that  renewing  Spirit  which  gives  comfort  and  life.     Will 


144  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

you  choose  hell?— Shall  procrastination,  like  the  mildew, 
blast  your  soul's  every  hope  ? 

"  What,  though  you  feel  an  indisposition  to  religion,  it 
is  better  to  combat  that  indisposition  now,  than  to  drink  of 
the  lake  eternal !  Say  not  my  farm,  my  farm,  my  bonds,  my 
merchandise ;  no  more  suffer  these  to  engross  your  soul's 
first  love.  Can  you  carry  them  away  with  you  ?  Will  they 
cheer  you  in  the  grave,  or  deliver  you  from  perdition? 
Awake — awake  ! — Seest  thou  not,  that  the  light  of  eternity 
begins  to  break  around  thee? — Hark!  'twas  the  groan  of  a 
departing  spirit !  thou  mayest  be  next." 

This  work  he  continued  till  November  7th,  1816,  which 
is  the  date  of  the  last  number. 

My  brother's  first  daughter  was  born  on  the  11th  of  De- 
cember, 1815.     On  the  12th  he  writes  to  me. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — You  are  uncle  to  as  fine  a  little  girl 
as  Virginia  has  produced  for  some  time — born  yesterday 
morning." — He  again  says,  respecting  her — "  January  26th, 

1816 Harriet  Swift  was  baptized  yesterday  by  Mr.  Hor- 

rel,  who  is  called  to  Martinsburg." 

Though  his  peculiar  situation  in  connexion  with  that 
destitute  region,  so  urgently  called  for  my  brother's  ordina- 
tion, yet  difficulty  after  difficulty  so  continually  arose  in 
his  path,  that  it  was  delayed  for  about  two  years.  We  have 
already  noticed  one  of  these  impediments.  We,  however, 
would  present  something  further  on  the  subject,  as  not  only 
unfolding  the  nature  of  these  difficulties,  but  his  supports 
and  submission  under  them. 

Mr.  Wilmer  again  writes  to  him  relative  to  one  appli- 
cation. 

"Alexandria,  January  8th,  1816. 

"  Dear  Sir: — I  am  glad  to  find  that  you  bear  your  post- 
ponement with  so  Christian  a  spirit ;  and  hope  you  will 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  145 

continue  to  prosecute  your  zealous  endeavours  to  build  up 
the  waste  places  of  Zion.  Though  not  in  orders,  it  is  in 
your  power  to  do  much  good,  and  in  no  way  more  effectually, 
than  by  illustrating  your  public  precepts  in  your  private 
temper,  conversation  and  deportment.  We  ought,  my 
friend,  to  be  able  to  say  in  all  things  to  our  flock,  '  Follow 
me  as  I  follow  Christ.'  Let  us  be  meek  and  lowly  in  our 
own  eyes.  A  jealous  eye  is  always  upon  us,  and  will 
rejoice  to  see  us  departing  from  the  Christian  spirit.  We 
carry  about  with  us  very  awful  interests,  and  we  should 
guard  them  with  a  holy  vigilance.  Let  us  endeavour  to 
let  our  light  shine  before  men,  and  recommend  by  all  our 
deportment,  in  all  our  actions,  and  all  our  intercourse  and 
collisions  with  society,  that  Gospel  which  we  profess. 

"  I  congratulate  you  on  the  birth  of  a  daughter,  and  pray 
that  she  may  be  a  blessing  to  yourself  and  Mrs.  Allen. 

"  Believe  me  most  sincerely,  your  friend, 

"W.  H.  WILMER." 

In  another  letter  of  March  4th,  Mr.  Wilmer  observes — 
"  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  learn,  that  you  are  still  zealous  in 
the  cause  of  the  Church.  Still  continue,  my  friend,  to  per- 
severe :  and  while  you  so  indefatigably  prosecute  the  duties 
of  your  calling,  try  to  preserve  that  love  for  order,  and  the 
rules  of  the  Church,  which  will  give  to  your  ministrations 
their  highest  effect. 

"God  grant,  to  raise  up  more  faithful  labourers  in  our 
harvest,  which  now  is  white  and  inviting. 

"  Your  affectionate  friend, 

"W.  H.  WILMER." 

In  connexion  with  the  same  subject,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hawley 
Avrites — 

"  CuLPEPER,  January  12th,  1816. 

"  My  Dear  Friend  : — It  is  with  regret,  that  I  am  informed 
by  your  letter,  that  the  Standing  Committee  have  decided 


146  MEMOIR  OP  THE 

in  favour  of  the  literal  construction  of  the  canon.  I  believe 
it  has  been  diflerently  construed  to  the  north,  and  1  trust 
some  way  will  yet  be  provided,  to  remove  all  obstacles  to 
your  admission  to  Holy  Orders.  Be  this  as  it  may,  your 
determination  to  remain  steadfast  in  the  good  work  in  which 
you  are  engaged,  as  likewise  your  firm  trust  in  the  Lord, 
will  ensure  you  success  in  all  your  undertakings,  in  so  far  as 
they  shall  be  agreeable  to  the  Lord's  will.  I  think  you  have 
every  reason  to  be  thankful  for  what  the  Lord  has  done  for 
you  already.  Many  who  have  been  long  engaged  in  the  mi- 
nistry, cannot  produce  the  like  fruits  of  their  labours  with 
yourself.  Although  adversity  may  now  meet  you  in  your 
path,  and  seem  to  thwart  your  purposes,  yet  remember  the 
precious  promise  of  the  Lord  Almighty,  '  All  things  shall 
work  together  for  good,  to  those  who  love  the  Lord.'  Remem- 
ber, likewise,  that  your  friend  John  Newton  met  with  many 
severe  and  trying  embarrassments,  before  he  accomplished 
his  ardent  desire  to  obtain  a  commission  to  preach  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  Continue  to  labour  with 
patience,  and  you  will,  no  doubt,  receive  your  reward." 

In  another  letter,  dated  some  time  before,  he  observes, 
"  I  am  very  happy  to  learn,  that  you  are  doing  all  you  can 
to  build  up  the  Redeemer's  Kingdom,  and  at  the  same  time 
to  restore  the  Church  to  its  merited  eminence.  The  pro- 
mises of  God  are  good  and  great,  and  ought  to  awaken  in 
us  correspondent  feelings  of  gratitude  and  love. 
"  Your  friend  and  brother, 

"WM.  HAWLEY." 

My  brother  having  surmounted  the  first  diflficulty  in  the 
way  of  his  ordination,  by  his  being  a  candidate  more  than 
a  year,  he,  no  doubt,  confidently  expected  to  be  ordained 
during  the  meeting  of  the  Convention,  which  was  held  in 
Richmond,  May  21st,  1816.  But  on  his  way  to  that  meet- 
ing, he  discovers  another  impediment  in  his  path.     From 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  147 

Fredericksburg,  May  18th,  he  writes  to  his  wife — "The 
Standing  Committee  will  not  set  in  Richmond,  so  that  I 
shall  have  to  take  an  extra  trip  to  be  ordained." 

By  the  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Dunn  to  my  brother,  we  learn  that  another  unsuccessful 
application  was  made  to  the  Standing  Committee. 

"Shelburne  Glebe,  November  29th,  1816. 

"  My  Dear  Sir : — I  attended  a  meeting  of  the  Standing 
Committee  on  the  25th  inst.,  which  was  called  for  the  pur- 
pose of  considering  your  application.  I  am  sorry,  truly 
sorry  to  inform  you,  that  a  majority  of  the  Committee  were 
of  opinion  that  your  testimonials  were  not  such  as  the 
twelfth  Canon  requires,  and  did  not  think  themselves  jus- 
tifiable in  signing  a  recommendation  to  the  Bishop  in  your 
favour.  In  addition  to  the  testimonials  you  have  forwarded, 
the  canon  requires  testimonials  to  the  same  effect,  signed 
by  at  least  one  respectable  clergyman  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church,  from  his  personal  knowledge  of  you  for 
at  least  one  year.  You  will  find  no  diflicultyin  complying 
with  this  requisition  of  the  canon. 

"  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  Bishop's  sermon  on 
the  excellence  of  the  Common  Prayer.  You  have  given 
me  good  measure.  I  am  anxious  to  see  you  at  the  Glebe  ; 
come  down  next  week,  and  spend  a  day  or  two  with  me. 

"  It  gives  me  joy  to  hear  that  our  beloved  Church  in 
your  parish  still  continues  to  grow  and  prosper.  '  The  good- 
ness of  God  endureth  for  ever.'  We  have  been  blessed 
here.  Our  people  are  more  attentive  to  their  religious 
duties,  and  are  endeavouring,  by  God's  grace,  to  become 
more  dead  unto  sin,  and  more  alive  unto  spiritual  things. 
Accept  my  best  respects  for  Mrs.  Allen  and  yourself. 

"  Your  sincere  friend,  J.DUNN." 

The  reader  is  already  apprised  that  my  brother's  labours 
in  his  Master's  cause  were  very  extensive,  and  the  Lord 


148  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

was  pleased  to  crown  them  with  uncommon  success,  even 
while  he  was  merely  acting  as  Lay  Reader.  The  Bishop, 
in  his  report  to  the  Convention  of  1816,  mentions  him  as 
having-  charge  of  six  Churches;  three  in  Jefferson  and 
three  in  Berkeley  County :  And  my  brother,  in  his  letter  to 
me,  of  August  15th,  1815,  when  he  had  been  engaged 
only  about  eight  months  in  his  new  duties,  informs  me  that 
he  had  the  charge  o{  seven  Congregations,  each  of  which  to 
visit  once  a  fortnight — and  as  having  five  Churches  to 
build  or  repair.  He  officiated  regularly  on  the  Sabbath,  in 
Charlestown  and  Shepherdstovvn  alternately,  ten  miles  dis- 
tant, and  from  thence  he  branched  out,  and  endeavoured  to 
produce  an  excitement  on  the  salvation  of  the  Gospel  all 
around.  The  boundary  lines  of  parishes,  or  counties,  or 
states,  were  no  barriers  to  him.  As  far  as  his  time  and 
strength  would  permit,  he  laboured  far  and  near.  Not  only 
Jefferson  County,  but  Berkeley,  Loudon,  Frederick,  and 
Shannandoah,  could  testify  to  his  devotion,  and  not  only  the 
State  of  Virginia,  but  Maryland  was  enabled  to  rejoice  in  his 
ministry.  Even  previous  to  his  ordination,  mark  his  success. 

He  writes  to  me —  "December  5th,  1815. 

"  Things  here  continue  to  flourish  :  Thanks  to  the  Head 
of  the  Church.  Two  new  Churches  are  noAv  building,  and 
a  third  will  be  commenced  in  the  Spring.  The  people  are 
progressing  in  their  use  of  the  Prayer  Book — family  prayer 
is  a  little  more  attended  to — devotion  increases — the  num- 
ber of  catechumen  increases.  The  Bishop  writes  me  he 
has  a  help-mate  for  me  for  Martinsburg — Laus  Deo." 

My  brother  laboured  in  Martinsburg,  and  adjacent 
country,  until  the  congregations  were  induced  to  call  a 
pastor.  By  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Thomas  Horrell  to  my 
brother,  in  the  Spring  of  1816,  we  are  informed  that  he  had 
accepted  the  invitation  to  settle  in  Berkeley. 

He  observes — "  I  have  sent  on  my  testimonials  to  Bishop 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN,  149 

Moore,  with  a  request  that  he  will  make  the  necessary 
communication  to  the  Vestry  of  Berkeley  Parishes.  I  will 
thank  you  to  inform  them,  that  my  situation  has  been  such 
as  to  prevent  my  coming  on  sooner,  but  that  I  shall  take  up 
my  residence  in  Martinsburg  in  a  few  weeks. 
"  Your  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

THOMAS  HORRELL." 

In  his  letter  to  me  of  August  3d,  1816,  my  brother  gives 
the  following  account  of  a  general  and  happy  excitement 
on  the  subject  of  religion. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — I  received  your  first  and  second  drafts 
of  the  Constitution  of  your  Bible  Society.  I  congratulate 
you  on  it.  There  was  a  Bible  Society  in  Jefferson  before 
I  came  to  it,  and  in  Berkeley  also. 

*'  The  great  reason  why  I  have  not  written  you  since  my 
return,  is,  because  I  have  been  engaged  in  the  most  glo- 
rious revival  of  religion  I  ever  saw.  As  many  as  one 
hundred  are  the  subjects  of  it :  fifty  of  whom  have  been 
already  received  as  communicants.  It  is  confined  chiefly 
to  the  county  of  Berkeley.  The  young  are  its  principal 
subjects,  and  I  attribute  it  chiefly  to  the  blessing  of  Heaven 
on  diligent  catechising.  It  is  the  Lord's  doing,  and  mar- 
vellous in  my  eyes.  One  family  alone,  is  expected  to  give 
eight  communicants  to  the  altar;  six  have  been  already 
received.  These  converts  are  chiefly  my  own  children  in 
the  Lord.  God  grant  they  may  prove  stars  in  my  crown  of 
rejoicing.  It  is  a  little  heaven  below,  for  me  to  be  among 
them.  The  attention  of  the  people  in  this  county,  Jeffer- 
son, is  increasing,  as  well  as  the  number  of  communicants  ; 
but  Berkeley  is  the  principal  theatre  of  the  glorious  work. 
I  have  established  a  prayer-meeting  in  Shepherdstown, 
which  promises  great  good. 

"  Come,  my  brother,  come  into  this  land  now,  aad  pay 
me  a  visit — it  will  do  you  good.     The  revival  has  done  me 


150  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

good,  I  know.  Say  when  you  will  come  and  spend  a  fort- 
night at  least  with  me. 

"  I  hope  you  are  fervent  in  prayer,  and  diligent  in  your 

studies,  and  thus  preparing  for  extensive  usefulness." 

"  A  few  evenings  since,  I  knelt  down  to  prayer  with  ten 
persons,  nine  of  whom  were  new  communicants,  and  the 
tenth  earnestly  seeking  the  Kingdom :  That  was  a  delight- 
ful moment — it  was  in  the  midst  of  the  revival  in  a  part  of 
the  Bunker-Hill  congregation.  We  have  a  communion 
season  at  that  Church,  the  13th  inst.,  when  Mr.  Lemmon  is 
expected  to  attend.  There  are  already  twenty-five  com- 
nicants  belonging  to  that  Church,  chiefly  new  ones. 

"  H.  joins  in  love.  Remember  me  to  all  my  and  your 
good  friends.     Hoping  soon  to  take  you  by  the  hand, 

"  Ever  your's,  B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

I  also  give  the   following  from   Bishop   Moore   to   my 

brother — 

"Richmond,  October  25th,  1816. 

"  Dear  Sir : — I  received  your  very  pleasing  account  of 
the  revival  of  religion  in  the  Churches  in  your  neighbour- 
hood, and  should  have  answered  your  communication  at  an 
earlier  period,  had  not  my  time  been  engrossed  by  business 
which  admitted  of  no  delay. 

"  Catechising  the  young,  has  always  formed  a  prominent 
feature  of  the  Episcopal  Church  :  and  I  am  confident,  a 
clergyman  cannot  devote  his  time  to  better  purpose.  Im- 
pressions made  upon  the  youthful  mind,  are  seldom  entirely 
erased.  Vicious  habits  formed  in  early  life,  are  always 
lasting,  and  difficult  of  removal.  From  a  parity  of  rea- 
soning, therefore,  good  habits  must  be  equally  influential. 
Go  on,  I  beseech  you,  in  the  prosecution  of  your  duty,  and 
Heaven  will  crown  your  exertions  with  success.  It  rejoices 
my  heart  that  the  people  of  Martinsburg  are  pleased  with 
their  minister.     May  the  blessing  of  God  attend  his  pious 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  151 

labours.  Remember  me  affectionately  to  him,  and  assure 
him,  that  his  success  will  always  afford  me  the  most  heart- 
felt pleasure. 

"Present  my  best  respects  to  those  with  whom  I  am 
acquainted  in  your  department  of  duty,  and  with  love  to 
Mrs.  Allen,  and  my  blessing  to  your  children,  believe  me, 
your  affectionate  friend  and  father  in  Christ  Jesus, 

"  RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE." 

The  following  additional  testimony  of  the  success  attending 
my  brother's  labours,  previous  to  his  ordination,  is  from  the 
pen  of  a  respectable  Layman  in  Loudon  County. 

"  Leesburg,  January  4th,  1816. 
"  My  Friend : — I  learn  with  great  satisfaction  the  pro- 
gressive state  of  the  different  Churches  in  your  Parish,  and 
foster  the  hope,  that  the  same  laudable  motive  which  laid 
their  foundations,  will  not  abate,  until  they  are  all  com- 
pletely finished.  I  have  lately  entertained  fears,  that  you 
would  not  be  able  to  accomplish  the  building  in  Charlestown  ; 
this  was  the  report  with  us,  which  I  rejoice  is  unfounded. 
Your  labours  in  the  ministry  have  been  most  highly  blessed, 
and,  I  doubt  not,  far  exceed  your  most  sanguine  expecta- 
tions. Twelve  months  since,  such  a  revival  amongst  your 
flock  was  little  expected,  and  I  might  almost  say,  as  little 
wished  for  at  that  time.  Such  was  the  pestiferous  influence 
of  that  terrific  monster  vice,  that  it  was  ever  on  the  alert  to 
extirpate  the  first  germ  of  virtue  or  religion.  Your 
induction  into  that  Parish,  although  attended  with  many 
obstacles  which  you  have  most  successfully  combatted,  has 
proved  highly  propitious  to  the  Church.  You  have  been  a 
chosen  vessel,  and  highly  favoured  indeed  in  rebuilding 
Zion's  wastes.  Go  on — our  humble  prayers  accompany 
you.  May  your  flock  daily  increase,  and  many  be  brought, 
through  the  influence  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  to  hunger  and 
thirst  after  eternal  life,  through  the  atoning  blood   of   a 


152  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Saviour,  and  diligently  use  the  means  to  find  the  way,  the 
truth,  and  the  life,  which  is  so  fully  revealed  in  the  Gospel. 
"  Affectionately  your  friend." 
Another  friend  in  Alexandria  vi^rites  to  him, — "  October 
29th :  I  need  hardly  pray  for  the  Divine  blessing  on  this, 
and  all  your  other  labours  of  love,  for  I  am  delighted  to  hear 
how  fully  it  attends  them." 

In  the  Convention  of  the  Church,  which  was  held  in 
Richmond,  in  May,  1816,  my  brother  brought  forward  the 
following  resolution,  which  was  adopted  : 

"  Resolved,  That  a  Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract 
Society,  for  the  Diocess  of  Virginia,  be  formed,  under  the 
patronage  of  this  Convention,  according  to  the  following 
plan." 

This  Society  has  sent  abroad  into  the  world  many  means 
for  doing  good. 

We  also  learn  something  further  of  his  active  movements 
to  promote  the  Redeemer's  cause  in  his  own  region  of 
country,  from  the  following,  which  I  have  in  his  own  hand. 

"  Shepherdstown,  December  3d,  1816. 
"  The  Managers  of  the  Common  Prayer-Book 
and  Tract  Society  of  Virginia. 

"  Gentlemen  :— A  Society  has  been  lately  formed  in  this 
county,  entitled  the  Benevolent  Society  of  the  Parish  of 
St.  Andrew's ;  the  first  article  of  whose  constitution  is  as 
follows : — '  The  object  of  this  Society  is  the  spreading  of 
religious  knowledge  and  instruction,  by  the  education  of 
poor  children,  and  the  distribution  of  the  Book  of  Common 
Prayer,  and  religious  Tracts,  in  aid  of  the  Common  Prayer- 
Booh  and  Tract  Society  of  Virginia,  and  by  such  other 
means  as  the  funds  may  permit,  and  as  may  be  deemed 
most  useful.' 

"  You  will  perceive,  by  this  article,  that  we  have  taken 
the  liberty  of  making  ourselves  your  auxiliary.     We  know 


REV.  liENJAMIN  ALLEN.  153 

not  that  you  contemplated  the  formation  of  auxiliaries,  but 
we  presume  you  will  have  no  objection  to  receive  co-ope- 
ration. Our  intention  is  to  supply  this  Parish  with  Tracts 
and  Prayer-Books,  which  we  believed  we  could  more  effec- 
tually do  by  organizing,  than  by  requesting  the  subscription 
of  insulated  individuals  to  your  proposals.  In  fact,  our 
organization  took  place  before  your  circular  on  the  subject 
arrived.  As  your  auxiliary,  we  shall  probably  request  your 
acceptance  of  parcels  of  Tracts  occasionally,  such  as  we 
may  print. 

"  We  have  forwarded  you,  as  our  first  fruits,  one  thousand 
copies  of  Beveridge  on  the  Common  Prayer.  These  have 
been  forwarded  by  a  boat  to  Georgetown,  to  the  care  of  F. 
S.  Key,  Esq.  These  be  pleased  to  accept.  We  would  be 
much  obliged  to  you,  to  inform  us  of  the  terms  on  which 
the  Tracts  of  your  publication  may  be  purchased. 
"  Your's  respectfully,  B.  ALLEN, 

"  President  of  the  Benevolent  Society  of 
the  Parish  of  St.  Andrew's." 

By  this  Society,  many  poor  children  were  instructed,  and 
thousands  of  useful  Tracts  published  and  circulated. 

All  difficulties  were  finally  removed,  and  in  December, 
1816,  my  brother  travelled  from  his  Parish  to  Richmond, 
and  was  there  ordained  Deacon,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Richard 
Channing  Moore,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  the  Diocess.  He  had 
officiated  as  Lay  Reader  about  two  years. 

On  his  return  from  Richmond,  he  stopped  in  my  Parish, 
and  preached  for  me  in  the  evening,  after  travelling,  in  the 
course  of  that  day,  about  fifty  miles  on  horse  back,  and  part 
of  the  way  through  a  dreadful  road. 


o2 


CHAPTER  X. 

FROM   HIS  RECEIVING  deacon's  ORDERS   IN    1816,  TO  THE 
CLOSE  OF  THE  YEAR  1819. 

After  receiving  Deacon's  orders,  my  brother  continued  the 
same  laborious  course,  and  branched  out  into  such  new 
scenes  of  active  benevolence,  as  opened  up  before  him. 

I  notice  the  following  from  his  brethren,  soon  after  his 
ordination — 

"  Alexandria,  January  18th,  1817. 

"  My  Dear  Friend  : — I  trust  you  have  received  some  new 
impulse  since  your  ordination,  and  that  you  are  going  forth 
with  renewed  strength  and  success,  in  the  good  cause  of 
your  Divine  Master.  Let  us,  my  friend,  keep  humble  at 
his  feet,  and  pray  with  all  manner  of  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion, watching  thereunto,  with  all  perseverance.  God  grant 
you  his  grace,  that  you  may  keep  faithful  unto  death. 
"  I  am,  your  sincere  friend  and  brother, 

"W.  H.  WILMER." 

"Washington,  March  21st,  1817. 

"  My  Rev.  Brother  and  Friend  : — Permit  me  to  congra- 
tulate you  on  your  advancement  to  the  holy  office  of  Dea- 
con, to  which,  I  trust,  it  has  pleased  the  Lord  to  appoint 
you,  for  purposes  important  to  the  interests  of  his  Kingdom 
on  earth,  and  for  the  bringing  of  many  souls  unto  everlasting 
glory. 

"  Your  faithfulness  in  the  cause  of  your  Lord  and  Master, 
I  have  no  doubt,  has  commended  you  to  his  particular  care 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  155 

and  protection,  as  it  has  to  the  good  wishes  and  friendship 
of  all  your  brethren.  May  the  Lord  continue  to  prosper 
the  work  of  your  hands,  and  make  you  still  more  useful  in 
the  great  work  before  you.  Your  perseverance  is  calcu- 
lated to  overcome  all  obstacles  of  minor  importance  ;  and 
should  the  same  discreetness  continue,  which  has  hitherto 
marked  your  conduct,  you  cannot  fail  of  obtaining  a  com- 
plete triumph  over  all  your  enemies.  With  much  respect 
and  esteem,  I  remain  your  friend  and  brother, 

"WM.  HAWLEY." 

My  brother  was  still  attached  to  the  plan  of  benefiting 
his  people  and  the  Church,  by  the  publication  of  a  religious 
periodical.  He  issued  a  prospectus  for  a  work  entitled  the 
"  Virginia  Journal."  From  some  cause,  he  was  induced  to 
relinquish  this  plan.  Respecting  the  work,  he  says,  "my 
little  Journal  is  merely  intended  as  a  remembrancer  to  the 
people,  to  let  them  know  what  the  Church  is  doing,  &c." 

He  was  so  successful  in  his  ministrations  out  of  his  own 
parish,  as  to  induce  the  people  of  Martinsburg  and  vicinity, 
as  we  have  already  seen,  to  settle  the  Rev.  Mr.  Horrell 
among  them  ;  also,  in  another  part  of  Berkeley,  he  laboured, 
till  they  received  a  Lay  Reader,  Mr.  John  L.  Bryan,  who, 
after  his  ordination,  became  their  Rector. 

The  organization  of  the  Benevolent  Society  in  my  bro- 
ther's Parish,  produced  some  apprehensions,  lest  it  should 
interfere  with  the  movements  of  the  General  Prayer-Book 
and  Tract  Society  of  the  Diocess.  Mr.  Wilmer  writes  to 
him  on  this  subject. — "1  lament  that  the  funds  and  energies 
of  the  Church  should  be  so  divided  and  weakened  as  they 
are.  You,  as  the  mover  of  the  resolution  which  established 
the  Prayer-Book  and  Tract  Society,  were  peculiarly  bound 
to  uphold  that  institution ;  but  instead  of  this,  you  have 
formed  an  entirely  separate  plan  of  operations.  Is  it  not 
better  to  consolidate  the  funds  ?  I  think  you  will  perceive 


156  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

the  propriety  of  amalgamating  your  Society  into  the  legiti- 
mate source,  and  thus,  by  uniting,  strengthen  our  force. 
"  Believe  me,  your  sincere  friend  and  brother, 

"  W.  H.  WILMER." 

To  the  above,  my  brother  gave  the  following  answer — 

"  Shepherdstown,  March  27th,  1817. 

"  My  Dear  Friend  ; — The  St.  Andrew's  Society,  you  know, 
was  formed  for  the  education  of  poor  children,'  and  the  pro- 
motion of  Christian  knowledge  generally.  So  far  as  relates 
to  Prayer-Books  and  Tracts,  we  consider  ourselves  your 
auxiliary.  Money  would  have  been  sent  you  instead  of 
Beveridge,  but  for  our  understanding  that  Peveridge  would 
be  acceptable  ;  and  Beveridge,  if  you  remember,  was  pub- 
lished with  the  concurrence  of  several  of  the  clergy.  If, 
in  future,  what  we  can  spare  from  our  local  purposes,  (which 
you  cannot  serve,)  will  be  more  acceptable  in  money,  it 
will  be  sent  thus.  I  am  well  convinced  you  will  receive 
more  from  us  in  consequence  of  our  organization,  than  if 
we  had  solicited  individual  subscriptions  to  your  Society." 

*'•  The  Church  in  Berkeley  has  been  called  to  mourn. 
Old  Mr.  Pendleton,  her  proved  and  steadfast  father,  is  no 
more.  He  exchanged  this  pilgrimage  for  Paradise,  the 
19th  of  this  month.     His  death-bed  was  most  triumphant. 

"  Mr.  Horrell  returned  on  Saturday  from  Calvert,  and  has 
revived  us  with  the  news  that  he  will  not  leave  us.  Hoping 
to  see  you  in  about  three  weeks,  I  remain  your's  affec- 
tionately, B.  ALLEN." 

In  the  Convention  held  in  Fredericksburg,  in  May,  1817, 
my  brother  displayed  his  disposition  to  cherish  and  give 
additional  effect  to  the  Common  Prayer-Book  and  Tract 
Society,     He  proposed  the  following  resolutions : 

"Resolved,  That  the  existing  Common  Prayer-Book  and 
Tract  Society,  be  extended  to  the  promotion  of  Christian 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLE^T.  157 

knowledge  in  general ;  the  funds  to  be  apportioned  among 
the  respective  means  made  use  of,  as  the  Managers  may 
determine.  . 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended,  that  an  auxiliary 
Society  be  established  in  each  parish  ;  one  half  of  whose 
funds  shall  be  thrown  into  the  treasury  of  the  Diocesan 
Society ;  the  remainder  to  be  applied  as  its  Managers  may 
determine." 

These  resolutions  were  laid  upon  the  table.  They  were, 
however,  again  called  up,  and  the  second  resolution  was 
passed  with  an  additional  one. 

Not  content  with  his  uncommon  efforts  in  his  own  parish, 
and  his  missionary  labours  in  the  adjacent  counties,  he  pro- 
jected a  missionary  tour  through  the  destitute  parishes  in 
the  northern  neck  of  Virginia.  He  therefore  left  his  parish 
some  time  before  the  Convention,  and  in  his  return  from 
his  mission,  met  the  Convention  in  Fredericksburg. 

The  following  is  addressed  to  his  wife — 

"Fredericksburg,  May  7th,  1817. 

"  Dear  Harriot : — I  arrived  here  yesterday  morn,  in  as 
good  health  as  ever,  and  had  the  great  satisfaction  of 
receiving  your  letter.  Captain  Shepherd  is  here,  and  vastly 
delighted.  Bryan  was  ordained  yesterday,  and  Mr.  Ravens- 
croft.  My  tour  was  a  very  pleasant  one ;  the  country  and 
the  people  both  pleased  me  very  much — prospect  of  the 
Church  reviving. 

"  Our  Convention  is  very  respectable  in  numbers  and 
talent.  Mr.  Ravenscroft,  just  ordained  Priest,  proves  him- 
self a  Hercules.  Horrell  is  here.  I  fear  I  shall  not  be  able 
to  reach  Alexandria  before  Monday  next,  as  Thomas  has 
an  appointment  for  the  communion,  and  I  fear  will  get  no 
one  to  administer  it,  so  that  I  shall  be  in  duty  bound  to 
preach  for  him :  and  as  I  shall  not  probably  be  in  the  lower 
country  again,  until  next  year,  I  must  try  to  help  him. 


158  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  I  shall  endeavour  to  find  the  most  safe  and  comfortable 
mode  of  conveying  you  home.  Brittle  ware  must  be  ten- 
derly handled.  Kiss  the  little  ones  for  me.  Give  my  love 
to  your  kind  host,  and  respect  to  all  friends. 

"  Your's  affectionately,  B.  ALLEN." 

From  the  above,  it  appears,  that  he  brought  his  family 
on  as  far  as  Alexandria,  and  there  left  them,  till  his  return 
from  his  mission  and  the  Convention. 

While  on  a  visit  to  my  brother,  in  September,  1817,  I 
heard  him  deliver  his  introductory  address  to  a  Bible  Class 
which  he  had  formed  in  his  parish. 

The  happy  influence  of  his  labours  is  still  evident.  He 
writes  to  me  as  follows — 

"  There  are,  thanks  be  to  God,  some  favourable  appear- 
ances at  Harper's  Ferry.  God  grant  much  fruit  may  be 
gathered.  The  young  people  were  to  have  a  meeting 
amoflg  themselves  there  this  day,  for  reading  the  service, 
and  a  sermon,  &c." 

In  a  letter  of  July  17th,  he  observes — 

"  A  revival  at  Harper's  Ferry — promising  appearances  in 
Shepherdstown." 

I  also  add  the  testimony  of  his  brethren  as  to  his  con- 
tinued success.     One  of  them  writes  to  him — 

"  November  12th. 

"  My  Dear  Friend  : — I  am  happy  to  hear  that  you  are 
flourishing  in  all  the  outworks  you  attempt  to  rear  up,  and 
pray  that  God  may  ornament  with  his  beauty,  and  strengthen 
with  his  power,  the  inward  parts,  so  that  your  Church  may 
be  a  temple  to  the  Lord. 

"  Believe  me  to  be  your's,  W.  MEADE." 

"Washington,  December  18th. 
"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : — It  rejoices  my  heart  to  learn  that 
the  work  of  the  Lord  is  going  on  with  you,  and  trust  you 
have  lost  none  of  your  zeal  for  the  glorious  cause  in  which 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  159 

you  are  engaged.     May  He  whom  we  serve  still  bless  your 

labours,  and  crown  you  at  last  with  a  crown  of  immortality. 

"  Your  friend  and  brother,  WM.  HAWLEY." 

My  brother  attended  the  Convention  of  the  Church, 
which  was  held  in  Winchester,  in  May,  1818,  and  on 
Thursday,  the  18th,  he  was  ordained  Priest,  in  connexion 
with  Mr.  Bausman  and  Mr.  Bryan,  by  Bishop  Moore.  / 
received  Deacon's  orders  at  the  same  time  and  jtlace. 

My  brother,  in  his  parochial  report  to  this  Convention, 
mentions — "A  religious  library  has  been  established  in 
each  of  the  principal  congregations  of  the  parish,  the  bene- 
fits of  which  are  extended  to  the  catechumens  and  the 
poor." 

He  also  promoted  the  formation  of  Sunday  Schools. 
While  on  a  visit  to  his  parish,  in  September,  they  were 
about  organizing  a  school  in  Sharpsburg,  and  one  at  Bryn 
and  M'Pherson's  Iron  Forge,  about  three  miles  distant. 
At  both  these  places,  though  in  the  Diocess  of  Maryland, 
my  brother  regularly  preached. 

On  the  1st  of  September,  his  second  son  was  born,  and 
on  the  25th  I  preached  in  his  house,  and  baptized  the 
child  by  the  name  of  John  Milton  Mann,  after  our  uncle 
Dr.  Mann,  whose  sudden  death  we  have  noticed. 

My  brother  endeavoured  to  improve  every  moment  for 
good.  And  when,  from  his  numerous  engagements,  he  is 
prevented  from  administering  counsel  and  comfort  to  the 
afflicted,  in  person,  he  sends  them  his  epistle. 

The  following  to  one  of  his  parishioners,  in  the  hour  of 
trial,  is  without  date,  but  was  filed  among  the  papers  of 
1818— 

"  Shepheedstown,  Thursday  Eve. 

"  My  Dear  Friend : — It  would  give  me  most  sincere 
pleasure  to  manifest  the  respect  I  feel  for  my  beloved 
friend,  Mr.  Tate,  and  also  to  gratify  your  wish  by  attending 


160  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

to-morrow,  but  I  have  two  appointments  in  another  direc- 
tion, and  if  I  should  take  Charlestown  in  my  way,  I  fear  I 
shall  be  incapacitated  for  preaching  three  times,  and  admin- 
istering  the  Sacrament  twice,  as  1  expect  to,  on  the  Sabbath. 
Mr.  M.  will  be  perfectly  competent  to  perform  the  funeral 
obsequies,  and  it  is  my  intention  on  Sunday,  in  Church,  to 
express  the  high  estimate  I  entertain  of  your  brother,  and 
to  advert  to  the  event  for  the  good  of  the  congregation. 

"  This  I  shall  do,  as  a  small  expression  of  the  gratitude  of 
the  Church  to  him,  as  a  most  valuable  friend,  and  as  a 
tribute  justly  due  his  respected  memory. 

"  It  gives  me  pain  that  I  did  not  go  to  Charlestown  yes- 
terday to  visit  him.  I  heard  of  his  illness,  but  heard  that 
his  decease  was  not  expected  so  soon ;  therefore,  being 
much    engaged,   deferred    my    intended    visit    until   the 

Sabbath. 

'  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 
His  wonders  to  perform.' 

"  By  these  severe  afflictions,  he  is  undoubtedly  brighten- 
ing your  crown  of  glory — preparing  for  higher  and  yet 
higher  degrees  of  happiness.  Breaking  loose  one  cord  after 
another,  he  is  giving  your  spirit  more  freedom  to  mount,  to 
soar.  Go  to  him,  I  beseech  you.  He  will  bind  up  this 
new  wound — he  will  heal  your  broken  heart :  His  consola- 
tions are  abundant,  they  are  unfailing,  they  are  eternal. 
Do  not  forget  that  those  who  stood  before  the  throne,  and 
before  the  Lamb,  clothed  with  white  robes,  and  palms  in 
their  hands,  had  come  out  of  great  tribulation. 

"  Who  would  not  suffer  with  Christ  in  order  to  reign  with 
him  ?  A  few  more  trials,  and  you  will  be  at  rest :  A  few 
more  separations,  and  you  will  be  in  the  land  where  sorrow 
never  comes.  A  little  time,  and,  if  we  continue  faithful, 
we  shall  unite  with  the  company  of  the  redeemed  in  ascrib- 
ing blessing,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power,  unto  him 
that  sittetb  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  16 

and  ever.  We  shall  then  thank  our  Heavenly  Father  for 
his  afflictive  dispensations,  for  we  shall  see  that  they  were 
the  means  in  his  hand  of  bringing  us  to  our  rest.  The 
Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away :  blessed  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord. 

"  May  the  Father  of  the  fatherless,  and  the  Judge  of  the 
widow,  support  the  bereaved.  May  the  spirit  of  consola- 
tion and  of  hope  descend  into  all  your  hearts,  enabling  you 
here  to  possess  the  peace  passing  understanding,  and  here- 
after, enjoying  the  eternal  weight  of  glory,  to  adore  a 
Father's  mercy — a  Saviour's  goodness — and  a  Sanctifier's 
love. 

"  Most  affectionately  yout's,  BENJ'N.  ALLEN. 

"  Mrs.  Muse." 

The  following  was  addressed  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Horrell 
and  his  wife,  on  the  death  of  their  child. 

"  SiiEPHERDSTOWN,  August  13th,  1818. 
"  Dear  Brother  and  Sister  : — How  truly  may  we  consider 
ourselves  in  this  world  as  under  a  course  of  discipline.  By 
the  varied  dispensations  of  Providence,  our  Heavenly 
Father  cuts  the  cords  that  unite  us  to  earth,  leads  us  nearer 
to  his  throne,  and  makes  us  more  and  more  willing  to  sur- 
render our  all  to  his  guidance,  to  devote  our  every  energy 
to  his  glory.  This  discipline,  you  feel,  is  severe  ;  but  is 
not  its  severity  lost  in  these  results  ?  In  proportion  as  our 
minds  are  raised  amid  the  beams  of  heavenly  light ;  in  pro- 
portion as  our  souls  are  near  the  fountain  of  all  happiness ; 
in  proportion  as  our  wills  are  lost  in  the  will  of  the  Eternal, 
and  our  energies  intent  on  contributing  to  his  glory  ;  in  that 
proportion  do  we  soar  in  the  scale  of  excellence  and 
immortality.  When  we  cast  an  eye  on  the  whole  extent  of 
our  duration,  and  connect  eternity  with  time,  we  discover 
the  truth  of  that  precious  declaration — 'Whom  the  Lord 
loveth,  he  chasteneth.' 

p 


162  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  When  we  behold  the  afflictions  of  our  pilgrimage 
brightening  our  crown  of  glory,  adding  new  lustre  to  our 
thrones  of  light,  well  may  we  be  contented  to  bless  the  rod 
and  him  who  hath  appointed  it.  Placed  as  you  are,  a  city 
on  an  hill,  spiritually  exalted  in  the  sight  of  the  people, 
whatever  contributes  to  the  brightness  of  your  example, 
becomes  a  blessing  to  the  souls  of  others ;  whatever 
increases  the  fervour  of  your  devotedness,  becomes  a  means 
of  winning  souls  to  Christ.  You  love  the  Lord  Jesus,  surely 
then  you  are  willing,  at  the  expense  of  your  own  suffering, 
to  aid  in  increasing  the  glory  of  Him  who  died  for  vou. 

"  How  broad  is  that  promise,  '  according  to  your  day, 
shall  your  strength  be' — it  has  been  proved  sufficient  by 
dungeons,  by  beds  of  death,  by  the  flames  of  martyrdom. 

"  But  I  would  rather  suppose  you  healed  of  your  anguish, 
rejoicing  in  the  consolation  found  at  a  throne  of  grace,  and 
contemplating  your  little  one  a  cherub  in  Paradise,  sound- 
ing, with  infantile  voice,  the  hosanna  of  Moses  and  the 
Lamb.  Yes,  it  is  sweet  thus  to  behold  him,  with  expanded 
faculties  and  suddenly  enlarged  powers,  uniting  with  the 
spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect.  See  him  on  the  banks  of 
the  rivers  of  pleasure :  see  him  amid  the  boughs  of  the 
tree  of  life  :  see  him,  with  attendant  Seraphim,  coursing  the 
universe,  admiring  and  adoring.  Ah,  see  him,  with  those 
appointed  to  watch  over  the  steps  of  your  pilgrimage, 
hovering  around  you  on  golden  wing,  waiting  the  hour 
when  he  may  greet  your  departing  spirits,  and  with  you 
commence  the  eternity  of  rest. 

"  Let  them  then  hope  the  tear  has  given  place  to  a  smile, 
even  the  smile  of  thankfulness,  and  that  you  are  going  on 
your  way  rejoicing  in  lenewed  strength,  more  fervent  in 
prayer,  more  faithful  in  labour,  more  wholly  devoted  to  the 
Lord  ;  that  both  of  you  are  more  frequently  the  means,  in  the 
hands  of  our  Master,  of  causing  'joy  in  the  presence  of  the 
angels  of  God.' 


KEV.   BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  Ifi3 

"  The  situation  of  Mrs.  A.  prevents  my  paying  you  that 
visit  of  Christian  condolence  you  would  otherwise  receive." 

"  May  the  Spirit  from  on  high  rest  upon  us,  and  upon 

our  people,  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  lead,  and  they  to 
follow  in  faith,  in  virtue,  in  knowledge,  temperance, 
patience,  godliness,  brotherly  kindness  and  charity. 

"  Your  unworthy  brother  in  Christ,  B.  ALLEN." 

It  is  grateful  to  discover  his  clerical  brethren,  from  dif- 
ferent quarters,  every  year  adding  fresh  testimony  as  to  my 
brother's  usefulness.     I  present  the  following  extracts — 

"  Hagerstown,  August  11th,  1818. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir: — Living  as  near  together  as  we  do, 
and  so  anxious  as  I  feel  to  catch  some  of  that  zeal,  in  the 
exercise  of  which,  you  are  causing,  by  Divine  aid,  the 
wilderness  to  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose,  I  feel 
ashamed  and  sorry,  that  I  have  not  yet  paid  you  a  visit.  In 
order  that  this  may  be  accomplished,  I  would  suggest,  if 
agreeable  to  you,  an  exchange  of  pulpits,  to  take  place, 
say  Sunday,  the  11th  of  October. 

"  Believe  me  to  be  your  friend  and  brother, 

J.  C.  CLAY." 

"  Baltimore,  December  15th,  1818. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : — I  received  your  favour  of  the  11th 
this  morning,  and  assure  you  that  I  shall  be  happy  to  exe- 
cute this  and  any  future  orders  you  may  send  for  Prayer- 
books  and  Homilies,  or  for  Tracts  from  the  Baltimore 
R.  T.  Society." 

"  It  has  afforded  me  great  pleasure  to  hear  of  your  zea- 
lous and  successful  efforts  to  advance  the  interests  of  our 
Redeemer's  kingdom.  May  the  Lord  encourage  your  heart 
and  strengthen  your  hands,  and  make  you  eminently  use- 
ful to  the  souls  of  men.  Soliciting  an  interest  in  your 
prayers,  I  subscribe  myself  your  friend  and  brother  in 
Christ  Jesus,  J.  P.  K.  HENSHAW." 


164  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"Winchester,  January  29th,  1818. 
"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : — I  hear  with  much  satisfaction  of 
your  unremitting  labours  in  promoting  the  kingdom  of  our 
blessed  Redeemer.  Whilst  I  shall  soon  leave  the  stage, 
I  cannot  forbear  to  recommend  to  you,  who  have  but  lately 
entered  on  it,  not  to  preach  oftener  than  your  health  and 
constitution  will  bear.  The  Lord  whom  we  serve  is  not  a 
hard  master,  requiring  more  of  us  than  he  gives  us  strength 
to  do.  That  He,  without  whom  nothing  is  strong,  nothing 
is  holy,  may  increase  and  multiply  upon  you  his  mercy, 
and  crown  with  his  blessing  your  endeavours  to  promote 
his  glory  and  the  salvation  of  immortal  souls,  is  the  sincere 
prayer  of,  dear  Sir, 

"  Your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

ALEX.  BALMAIN." 

Bishop  Moore  also,  in  a  letter  to  me  of  July  8th,  speaks 
thus  of  my  brother — 

"When  you  write  to  your  brother,  let  him  know  that  I 
wish  to  hear  from  him.  He  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  use- 
ful clergymen  roe  have.     His  Churches  are  his  tmtnesses. 
RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE." 

During  the  year  1819,  we  find  my  brother  still  more 
prominently  engaged  in  promoting  the  extension  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom.  By  every  means,  he  labours  to 
benefit  the  people  of  his  particular  charge,  and  he  devotes 
his  remaining  time  and  strength  to  the  salvation  of  the 
Church  universal. 

For  a  number  of  years  he  acted  as  the  agent  of  that  valua- 
ble work,  the  Christian  Observer,  and  he  circulated,  in  and 
out  of  his  parishes,  a  part  of  the  time,  fifty  copies.  He 
also  circulated  a  number  of  copies  of  the  Theological 
Repertory,  which  commenced  its  operations  this  year. 

He  attended  the  Convention  in  Petersburg,  in  May, 
1819,  and  on  Sunday,  the  16th,  he  witnessed  my  ordination 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  165 

as  Priest, — an  event  truly  grateful  to  him,  and  one  for  the 
accomplishment  of  which  he  had  so  long  laboured,  and 
which  he  so  ardently  desired  to  see — both  of  us  fully 
ordained  and  established  in  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel  of 
the  blessed  Redeemer. 

Immediately  after  the  ordination  service,  as  is  customary, 
the  brethren  came  forward  to  give  me  the  hand  of  fellow- 
ship ;  but  I  was  pained  that  my  brother  kept  back.  I  men- 
tioned it  to  him  afterwards,  and  he  appeared  much  morti- 
fied that  I  should  attribute  his  not  coming  forward,  to  any 
other  reason  than  the  fulness  of  his  heart,  the  acuteness  of 
his  feelings  on  this  occasion,  the  fulfilment  of  his  desires 
and  prayers. 

He  promoted  most  cordially  the  association  of  the  clerical 
brethren  in  each  other's  Parishes,  for  the  purpose  of  per- 
sonal interchange  of  views  and  feelings,  and  preaching  the 
word  and  prayer.  Days  were  spent  together  on  these 
occasions. 

He  writes  to  me — 

"  Shepherdstown,  December  4th,  1818. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — Your  little  scold  came  a  day  or  two 
since.  I  suppose  I  deserve  it,  for  I  might  have  written 
before,  but  you  know  how  much  I  have  to  do,  so  that  you 
forgive. 

"  We  have  had  in  this  place,  an  Association  of  several 
of  the  neighbouring  clergy.  Hatch,  Clay,  Armstrong,  Bryan, 
and  Low ;  and  a  most  delightful  season  we  had,  and  pro- 
fitable. I  should  have  sent  for  you  to  come,  but  thought  it 
too  far  for  you.  Low  is  to  be  settled  in  Martinsburg,  as 
we  all  expect.  He  is  indeed  an  admirable  preacher.  These 
Associations  we  mean  to  continue,  for  the  benefit  of  our- 
selves and  our  flocks.  We  have  one  in  Hagerstown  this 
month.  The  5th  of  January  we  are  to  be  in  Mr.  Arm- 
strong's Parish,  a  few  miles  below  Fredericktown,  with  our 
Association.    Cannot  you  be  with  us  then?  We  separate 

v2 


166  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

time  enough  to  be  home  by  Sunday — but  you  might  coifie 
home  with  me." 

"  The  Sunday-school  at  Sharpsburg,  has  one  hundred 
and  twenty-seven  scholars,  and  is  going  on  admirably.  The 
Avhole  town  is  enlisted  in  favour  of  it,  except  a  feAV  Ger- 
mans, who  oppose  its  being  kept  in  the  Church.  But  all 
opposition,  I  trust,  will  vanish.  The  children  learn  admi- 
rably, especially  the  Bible  and  Catechism,  and  the  teachers 
appear  very  fond  of  it.  We  expect  to  have  a  public  ex- 
amination of  it  during  the  winter,  which  I  expect  will  be 
very  interesting. 

"I  am  literally  growing  fat — well  as  ever  I  was  in  my 
life — family  all  well. 

"  My  Charlestown  people  have  just  offered  to  find  me  a 
house,  rent  free,  and  Mr.  Washington  to  find  me  firewood ; 
so  that  I  expect  to  remove  there. 

"  I  am,  your's  affectionately,  B.  ALLEN." 

Again, —  "  Ciiarlestown,  March  19th,  1819. 

*'  Dear  Thomas  : — I  have  just  returned  from  an  Associa- 
tion at  Martinsburg,  which  was  as  usual  very  interesting. 
We  had  one  at  Bunker's  Hill  a  few  weeks  ago,  that  was 
very  much  blessed. 

"  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  descending  upon  Sharpsburg 
in  a  striking  manner.  V/e  scarcely  have  a  sermon  preached 
there  now,  without  a  soul  born  to  God.  The  number  of 
new-born  souls  is  quite  considerable,  and  gradually  growing. 
The  Sunday-school  has  one  hundred  and  seventy  scholars, 
and  fifty  teachers,  and  has  been  a  rich  blessing  to  the  place. 
It  is  expected  to  increase  much  this  spring. 

"An  Association  is  expected  to  be  held  in  Charlestown, 
on  Tuesday,  27th  April,  and  your  attendance  we  of  course 
shall  have.  The  clergy  of  the  Association  expect  to  con- 
tinue in  this  place  preaching,  until  Thursday,  on  which  day 
we  have  the  sacrament;  and  go  hence  in  the  afternoon,  in 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN  167 

a  body,  to  the  wedding,  (brother  Bryan's.)  On  Friday  the 
Sacrament  is  expected  to  be  in  Shepherdstown,  and  not 
improbably,  we  may  arrange  to  have  the  examination  of  the 
Sharpsburg  Sunday-school  on  Saturday.  The  first  of  the 
next  week  we  expect  to  start  for  Petersburg.  Meade  and 
myself  have  an  idea  of  starting  early,  to  preach  by  the  way. 
You  may  as  well  spend  the  Sunday  after,  preaching  for  me, 
as  you  can  get  to  Petersburg  by  starting  the  Monday  before 
the  Convention,  and  thus  need  be  gone  there  but  one  Sab- 
bath.    Thus  you  will  enjoy  one  Association. 

"  Your's,  truly,  B.  ALLEN." 

Another  Association  was  held  in  Shepherdstown  on  the 
8th  t)f  September;  a  number  of  the  brethren  attended.  I 
was  permitted  to  meet  with  them  on  this  occasion.  The 
following  is  an  extract  from  my  journal. — "  I  attended  the 
Association  ;  witnessed  part  of  the  public  examination  of 
the  Sunday  scholars — a  very  interesting  scene — the  praises 
of  the  Almighty  resounded  from  a  multitude  of  infant 
tongues.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Clay,  of  Hagerstown,  made  an 
appropriate  address,  followed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Armstrong, 
the  elder.  In  the  afternoon,  the  Rev.  Mr.  McGuire,  of 
Fredericksburg,  preached.  We  all  dined  and  took  tea 
together.  At  candlelight  the  Rev.  William  Armstrong 
preached.  Thursday,  9th,  Mr.  Bryan  read  the  morning 
service ;  Mr.  Clay  preached,  I  read  the  communion  ser- 
vice, and  consecrated  the  elements ;  Mr.  Armstrong,  the 
elder,  gave  an  exhortation,  and  distributed  the  bread  and 
wine,  assisted  by  Mr.  Bryan.  A  pleasant  season;  about 
eighty  communicants.  In  the  afternoon  I  read  the  service, 
and  Rev.  William  Armstrong  preached." 

The  above  gives  a  view  of  the  course  pursued  at  the 
Associations. 

With  an  anxious  solicitude,  my  brother  attentively  sur- 
veyed all  the  benevolent  movements  around  him,  and  en- 


168  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

deavoured  to  suggest  such  improvements,  or  to  give  such 
new  impulse  as  the  good  of  the  cause  demanded ;  and  he 
was  never  backward  in  putting  forth  his  own  strength  in 
the  effort.  The  desolate  regions  of  the  Church  occupied 
much  of  his  attention,  and  he  not  only  cheerfully  gave  them 
his  ministrations,  but  laboured  to  enlist  his  clerical  brethren 
in  the  same  work  of  love. 

The  Committee  of  the  Convention  on  the  state  of  the 
Church,  in  1819,  observes — "The  Church  in  Hampshire 
county  begins  to  exhibit  some  symptoms  of  revival.  About 
ten  congregations  have  been  formed  since  July  last.  There 
are  two  Churches  nearly  completed,  and  preparations  are 
making  to  repair  an  old  one.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  Allen  and 
Bryan  have  visited  these  congregations,  and  baptized  fifteen. 
A  Vestry  has  been  elected,  and  a  number  of  persons  are 
anxious  to  receive  the  Lord's  Supper,  when  an  opportunity 
offers." 

The  above-mentioned  region  was  some  distance  from  my 
brother's  Parish,  in  a  very  rough,  mountainous  country. 

He  wrote  to  me  immediately  after  one  of  his  visits  to 
that  country — 

"  Shepiiekdstown,  April  18th,  1818. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — I  have  just  returned  from  a  trip  to  the 
two  neighbouring  counties  of  Hampshire  and  Hardy,  and 
am  of  opinion  I  have  discovered  an  appropriate  district  of 
country  for  you,  where  you  may  glorify  God  abundantly 
more  than  you  can  below  the  Ridge.  I  think  if  you  had 
been  with  me  during  the  past  week,  your  love  for  souls 
would  have  drawn  you  to  Hampshire  and  Hardy  immedi- 
ately. '1  here  is  an  immense  population,  with,  comparatively 
speaking,  no  means  of  grace  :  A  great  number  of  decided 
Church  people  through  the  country,  able  and  anxious  to 
support  the  Gospel.  You  would  have  many  bodies  of  people 
like  those  on  the  Back  Creek,  and  Hedge's  Chapel,  hun- 
gering for  the  bread  of  life.     It  would  be  well  for  you  to 


REV.  BENJAMIN  AI.LEN.  1G9 

preach  once  in  four  weeks,  at  four  places,  at  the  outset,  till 
another  young  man  could  come  and  take  half  the  ground  off 
your  hands,  and  then  you  would  have  enough  to  do.  They 
are  anxious  to  form  a  Bible  Society  in  Hardy.  In  that 
country,  on  the  South  branch  of  the  Potomac,  are  a  number 
of  very  wealthy  graziers,  who,  from  their  simplicity,  sin- 
cerity, and  hospitality,  remind  me  of  the  Patriarchs.  They 
seem  to  be  out  of  the  way  of  the  world's  follies  ;  in  a  fertile 
retreat,  as  pleasant  and  desirable  as  ever  I  saw.  Their 
income,  in  some  instances,  ten  thousand  dollars  per  annum, 
and  yet  they  are  plain — ^just  like  my  good  old  friend  Wm. 
Pendleton. 

"  Yesterday  I  found  a  congregation  of  Episcopalians  in  the 
lower  end  of  Hampshire,  who,  though  they  had  never  seen 
a  Church  clergyman  before,  are  in  a  complete  state  of  revi- 
val, and  are  about  to  build  a  Church.  Books  appear  to  have 
been  the  principal  means.  They  besought  me  for  service, 
if  no  oftener  than  once  in  three  months.  By  the  help  of 
God,  they  shall  have  it  oftener  than  that.  Pray  come  over 
and  help  them. 

"Do  not  study  too  hard.  You  may  recruit  among  the 
mountains  of  Hampshire  and  Hardy. 

"  Your's,  truly,  B.  ALLEN." 

The  following  is  the  report  of  my  brother's  own  charge — 

"  St.  Andrew's  Parish,  Jefferson  County. 
"  Two  hundred  communicants — eighty-eight  baptisms — 
six  marriages — fifteen  burials — collection  made  for  the 
Episcopal  fund,  one  hundred  dollars.  As  directed  by  the 
Convention,  the  Rector  visited  a  vacant  Parish  in  Shenan- 
doah county,  and  made  a  collection  for  the  Episcopal  fund. 
Sunday-schools  have  been  established  throughout  the  Parish, 
and  have  proved  extensively  useful." 

He  not  only  endeavoured  to  settle  clergymen  in  the  vacant 
Parishes,  but  he  embraced  every  favourable  opportunity  of 


170  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

drawing  out  young  men  to  the  work,  and  rendered  them 
every  assistance  in  preparation.  One  individual  he  received 
in  his  own  family,  who  finally  became  abundant  in  labours, 
in  Hampshire  county. 

At  my  urgent  request,  my  brother  left  his  Parish,  and 
travelled  about  eighty  miles,  to  officiate  at  my  marriage, 
which  occurred  in  Dumfries,  July  22d.  On  his  return,  he 
writes  to  me — 

"August  3d,  1819. 

"  Dear  Thomas : — I  arrived  at  home  in  safety,  and  found 
my  congregations  had  been  left  destitute  on  Sunday,  which 
was  to  me  a  very  great  source  of  regret.  I  found  all  well. 
As  I  came  through  Centerville,  Mr.  Henning,  the  post, 
master,  expressed  a  desire  for  preaching  there.  I  stated  to 
him  that  you  were  coming  through  that  neighbourhood. 
He  requested  that  you  would  write  to  him,  and  he  would 
have  an  appointment  made.  Why  cannot  you  visit  them 
occasionally?  They  are  but  about  twenty  miles  from  you. 
Do  take  pity  on  the  destitute  regions  round  about  you. 
They  are  crying  out  for  help,  and  in  preaching  to  them, 
you  will  glorify  your  Master,  and  improve  your  health  by 
exercise. 

"  We  had,  in  Winchester,  a  pleasant,  and,  I  doubt  not, 
profitable  Association.  Wilmer,  who  met  me  at  Leesburg, 
spent  two  days  there. 

"  Meade  has  succeeded  in  forming  three  Auxiliary  Colo- 
nization Societies  for  this  county,  with  very  good  prospects. 

"  I  wish  you  would  endeavour  to  give  me  as  many  Sab- 
baths as  you  can  in  September.  State  to  me  which  they 
will  be,  in  order  that  I  may  be  able  to  visit  some  vacant 
section  of  the  country.  I  would  be  glad  to  be  with  you 
during  the  whole  of  your  visit;  but  we  are  the  property  of 
our  Master,  you  know,  and  must  seek  to  glorify  him  to  the 
utmost.  William  Armstrong  is  not  going  to  Shenandoah, 
therefore  I  am  especially  anxious  to  spend  a  week  or  two  there. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  I7I 

"  Harriot  and  our  friends  will  be  very  glad  to  see  Mar- 
garet.    Give  our  love  to  her,  and  accept  it  for  yourself. 

"  Your's  truly,  B.  ALLEN. 

"  P.  S.  I  have  promised  to  visit  the  Northern  Neck  in 
October." 

As  to  the  destitute  region  last  mentioned,  my  brother 
endeavoured  to  enlist  Mr.  Wilmer  in  its  behalf:  as  appears 
from  the  following — 

"Alexandria,  September  30th,  1819. 

"  Dear  Friend  : — Your  favour  from  Fredericksburg  came 
to  hand.  I  am  truly  sensible  of  the  importance  of  some 
exertions  in  the  Northern  Neck,  in  order  to  preserve  the 
faith  of  our  Church  among  the  people  in  that  section  of 
country.  Mr.  Norris  and  myself  will  endeavour  soon  to 
pay  them  a  visit,  probably  in  the  course  of  next  month. 
But  will  not  Mr.  Bryan  and  Mr.  Armstrong  come  on, 
according  to  appointment  1" 

"  I  shall  set  the  press  to  work  in  about  a  fortnight,  God 
willing,  in  publishing  tracts,  and  shall  keep  in  view  the 
object  you  suggest,  of  informing  our  members  on  some  of 
the  peculiarities  of  our  Church.  I  shall  endeavour  also 
to  introduce  some  of  these  matters  into  our  Repertory. 

"  In  great  haste,  your  friend  and  brother, 

WM.  H.  WILMER." 

Mr.  McGuire  also  wrote  to  him — 

"  Fredericksburg,  August  5th,  1819. 

"  Friend  Allen : — Indisposition  of  my  family,  and  a  press 
of  parochial  duties,  has  prevented  me  from  going  over  the 
Ridge  as  soon  as  I  expected ;  in  the  mean  time,  I  wish  to 
talk  with  you  about  paying  a  visit  to  this  section  of  the 
country  some  time  soon.  You  know  the  state  of  the 
Northern  Neck,  and  the  counties  adjacent  to  the  Rappahan- 
nock. Here  is  an  immense  range  of  Episcopal  ground, 
where  the  people  are  crying  out,  O  come  and  help  us,  or  we 


172  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

shall  be  compelled  to  surrender  for  ever  the  Church  of  our 

fathers,  and  seek  salvation  in  other  folds." "  Mr.  Ware 

expressed  a  wish  to  Mr.  Andrus,  that  you  should  come 
down  and  visit  them  again.  I  wish  you  would  do  so.  It 
will  give  you  an  opportunity  of  judging  whether  you  could 
not  with  propriety  make  a  move  to  that  section  of  the  State. 
I  think  that  such  missionary  ground  is  not  in  this  country. 
And  I  have  no  doubt  you  could  make  such  arrangements  as 
would  enable  you  to  spend  much  of  your  time  in  raising 
the  Church  from  her  splendid  ruins,  and  restoring  her  to 

order  and  happiness." "  I  wish  you  would  write   me 

directly  on  the  subject.  It  is  certainly  worth  our  serious 
attention.  If  Presbyterians  think  it  worth  while  to  send 
from  the  north,  two  respectable  missionaries  to  a  country 
where  there  is  hardly  a  man  who  says,  '  I  am  a  Presbyte- 
rian,' surely  it  is  worth  while  for  us  to  send  ministers  to 
the  same  country,  where  men,  women,  and  children,  are  all 
crying  out  with  one  voice,  '  We  are  all  Episcopalians  !  We 
want  Episcopal  ministers !' 

"  When  you  come  down,  if  you  will  let  me  know,  I  can 
inform  the  people,  and  see  if  Andrus  or  myself  cannot 
accompany  you.  In  Tappahannock,  and  the  county  of 
Essex,  there  are  now  six  Sunday-schools.  Such  is  the.  zeal 
and  excitement  of  the  people. 

"With  love  to  Mrs.  Allen,  I  am  your  friend  and  brother, 

E.  C.  McGUIRE." 

My  brother  took  advantage  of  my  spending  some  weeks 
in  his  Parish,  and  leaving  me  to  discharge  his  duties,  he 
engaged  in  a  preaching  tour  through  the  northern  neck  of 
Virginia.  He  left  Charlestown  for  this  purpose  on  the  10th 
of  September. 

Mr.  Wilmer  again  writes  to  him  relative  to  that  coun- 
try— 

"Alexandria,  November  22d,  1819. 

"Rev.  and  Dear  Friend: — Your  favour  of  18th  ult. 
came  to  hand  during  my  absence  on  a  tour  through  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  173 

Northern  Neck.  I  visited,  in  company  with  the  Rev.  Ethan 
Allen,  King  George,  Mattox-bridge  Church,  Yeocomico 
Church,  Northumberland  Court-House,  Micomico  Church, 
Christ  Church  (Lancaster,)  Lancaster  Court-House,  and 
Richmond  Court-House.  Having  visited  these  places, 
you  are  acquainted  with  their  situation.  They  afford  a  fine 
field  for  a  Missionary  :  but  it  seems  impossible  to  get  one. 
If  one  could  be  procured,  I  would  set  him  a  going  on  the 
present  fund,  depending  on  Providence  to  feed  us  with 
further  supplies.  The  people  of  Northumberland  Court- 
House  were  expecting  a  visit  from  Mr.  Stephens,  to  whom 
they  had  offered  the  Academy  and  the   Church,   with  a 

salary  of  twelve  hundred  dollars,  and  a  house." "  With 

regard  to  your  removal  to  that  country,  I  know  not  what  to 
advise.  Both  the  place  where  you  reside,  and  the  lower 
country,  being  very  important  and  deserving  of  ministerial 
attention.  I  am  not,  however,  a  friend  to  removals,  except 
where  the  prospect  of  superior  usefulness  thereby,  is  very 
palpable. 

"  Your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

WM.  H.  WILMER." 

From  the  foregoing,  it  appears  that  my  brother's  mind 
was  so  enlisted  in  the  cause  of  that  lower  country,  that  he 
meditated  a  removal  to  that  region.  This,  however,  was 
not  effected. 

I  close  the  history  of  his  movements  during  1819,  with 
the  following  testimony  from  others.  A  friend  of  his 
youth,  in  New- York,  writes  to  him — 

"  May  31st. 

"  You,  I  rejoice  to  learn,  are  reaping  the  fruits  of  your 
youthful  exertions  in  prosperous  respectability  ;  with  the 
additional  satisfaction,  I  presume,  of  witnessing  the  partici- 
pation of  your  brother  in  your  honourable  and  useful  course, 
by  your  sole  means  and  instrumentality." 

Q 


174  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  New-Haven,  Conn.,  October  9th. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Friend  : — I  improve  an  opportunity, 
afforded  by  the  return  of  Mr.  Read,  to  break  our  long 
silence,  though  I  have  only  time  to  say  a  few  words. 

"  I  rejoice  to  hear,  as  I  do,  both  from  Mr.  Read  and 
from  Mr.  Meade,  who  is  now  here  on  the  business  of  the 
Colonization  Society,  that  you  are  going  on  with  laudable 
zeal  and  flattering  prosperity  in  the  cause  of  the  Church. 

"  Is  it  not  time  to  begin  to  look  for  a  visit  from  you  1 
We  should  all  rejoice  to  see  you  again.  I  beg  of  you  to 
write  soon,  for  I  cannot  bear  the  idea  of  breaking  up  our 

correspondence." "  My  family  are  well  and  wish  to  be 

remembered  to  you.     Present  my  respects  to  your  good 
lady,  and  to  your  brother  and  lady,  when  you  have  oppor- 
tunity, and  believe  me  to  be,  with  sincerity  and  truth, 
"  Your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

HARRY  CROSWELL." 

I  also  annex  the  following  from  the  Bishop — 

"Richmond,  February  1st,  1819. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : — I  really  do  not  know  whether  I 
am  in  debt  to  you  a  letter  or  not :  but  as  I  am  engaged  to- 
day in  answering  a  number  of  favours  I  have  received,  and 
in  addressing  some  others,  to  whom  I  have  never  before 
written,  I  cannot  resist  the  pleasure  of  communicating  with 
yourself. 

"  To  hear  you  spoken  of  as  a  laborious  clergyman,  and 
to  find  that  your  labours  have  been  abundantly  blessed, 
opens  to  my  mind  a  source  of  great  enjoyment.  As  one  of 
the  first,  who  embarked  in  the  same  cause  with  myself,  and 
who  under  depressed  circumstances  have  so  effectually 
persevered,  you  have  a  claim  to  my  attention  and  regard ; 
and  be  assured,  that  no  effort  on  my  part  shall  be  wanting, 
which  can  contribute  to  your  comfort  and  happiness.     I 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  175 

should  be  pleased  to  hear  whether  the  zeal  of  the  people  in 
Charlestown  has  been  such,  as  to  enable  them  to  finish  the 
church.  It  is  an  edifice  which  reflects  honour  upon  the 
Society,  and  I  hope  that  they  will  never  rest,  until  the  top- 
stone  is  brought  forth  with  rejoicing. 

"Your  flock  in  Shepherdstown  contemplated  either  a 
new  church,  or  the  enlargement  of  the  old  one.  Let  me 
know  how  they  have  proceeded.  You  have  obtained  an 
acquisition  in  Mr.  Low,  who  has,  I  am  told,  accepted  the 
call  to  Martinsburg.  Mr.  Bryan,  I  have  been  informed, 
intends  to  continue  at  Bunker's-Hill.  When  you  look 
around  you,  and  see  those  churches  which  have  been  raised 
by  your  efforts,  filled  with  a  devout  people,  your  heart  must 
rejoice.  May  heaven  continue  to  bless  you,  and  render 
you  the  founder  of  many  more. 

"  Give  my  love  to  Mrs.  Allen,  to  Mr.  Shepherd  and 
family,  indeed  to  all  who  know  me,  and  believe  me,  Rev. 
and  dear  Sir, 

"  Your  sincere  friend  and  father  in  Christ  Jesus, 

RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE." 


CHAPTER  XI. 


EXTRACTS    FROM  HIS   CORRESPONDENCE   DURING   A    PART  OF 
1815  AND   1819,  INCLUSIVE. 

In  the  following  extracts  of  my  brother's  letters  to  me,  we 
discover  much  of  that  pious  ardour  and  true  devotion  which 
is  indeed  the  richest  cordial  to  surviving  friends. 

In  his  letter  of  December  5th  and  12th,  1815,  he  ob- 
serves— 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — The  more  obstacles,  the  more  energy, 
should  be  your  motto.     Then  all  difficulties  will  vanish. 

"  As  to  the  reading  Society,  my  opinion  is,  Go  on  with 
it,  and  let  God  take  care  of  the  consequences.  If  you  can 
get  the  young  ladies  to  associate  for  this  purpose,  it  will 
be  their  meeting,  not  your's.  Do  you,  however,  forward  it 
all  in  your  power — it  will  do  good.  Possibly  your  terms 
of  admission  are  rather  strong,  because  some  young  ladies, 
anxious  to  know  the  truth,  may  not  have  gone  so  far  as 
strong  conviction,  and  yet  would  reap  benefit  from  the 
Society,  and  be  brought  forward  by  it.  I  think  by  this, 
you  may  test  any  one  as  fit  to  be  a  member,  viz  :  if  she  is 
willing  to  join  with  her  companions  in  praying. 

"  In  a  society  formed  in  Winchester,  they  now  are  read- 
ing Milner's  Church  History.  There  are  only  eight  mem- 
bers of  that  society. 

"  Commit  your  cause  to  God,  and  he  will  take  care  of  it." 
"  Calm  and  deep  devotion  is  that  recommended  by  the  Bible, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  177 

not  boisterous  and  confused." "  Keep  me  informed  of 

all  the  circumstances  occurring  from  time  to  time,  fully. 
Mrs.  H.  and  family  may,  I  hope,  prove  burning  and  shining 
lights,  and  great  pillars  to  you,  from  sanctified  affliction. 

"  I  have  just  conversed  with  a  young  lady  who  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Reading  Society  of  Winchester.  She  informs 
me,  one  of  their  regulations  is,  there  shall  be  no  conversa- 
tion at  the  meeting,  except  on  religious  subjects. 

"  As  ever,  your's,  B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

"  Charlestown,  January  20th,  1816. 
"  My  Brother  : — Be  strong  in  the  Lord  and  in  the  power 
of  his  might.  Put  on  the  whole  armour  of  God,  that  you 
may  be  enabled  to  stand.  Courageously  meet  every  assault 
of  satan,  but  let  that  courage  be  your  Master's,  not  your 
own.  Let  it  be  through  grace,  diligently  sought  for. 
Remember  the  promise,  my  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee,  my 
strength  is  made  perfect  through  weakness.  Always  keep 
your  spiritual  armour  on:  valiantly  fight  every  day  of  your 
existence,  and  when  you  die,  be  sure  to  die  sword  in  hand. 
According  to  thy  day  shall  thy  strength  be.  Fear  not,  thou 
worm  Jacob,  I  am  with  thee  :  I  am  thy  shield  and  exceed- 
ing great  reward.  Stronger  is  he  that  is  for  you,  than  they 
who  are  against  you.  Pray  without  ceasing — never  forget 
that— 

'  Prayer  makes  the  Christian's  armour  bright.' 

"  Stand  firm  as  an  anvil  continually  struck.  Adorn  the  doc- 
trine of  God  your  Saviour  by  meekness,  by  patience,  by  long- 
suffering,  by  charity.  This  will  be  the  best  answer  to  your 
foes ;  the  best  support  to  your  friends.  God  by  his  grace 
can  make  you  strong  to  overcome.  Do  not,  then,  I  again 
beseech  you,  do  not  intermit  continual  prayer.  Lie  at  the 
foot  of  the  throne  of  grace.  Study  the  Scriptures  much. 
Be  diligent  in  all  the  necessary  preparations  for  ?7tore  exten- 
sive usefulness,  and  may  the  God  of  grace  ever  support  you 
q2 


178  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

by  his  omnipotent  power,  and  crown  you  at  last  with  the 
crown  of  victory,  through  Christ,  the  captain  of  our  warfare, 
"  Prays  your  affectionate  brother, 

"B.  ALLEN,  Jr. 
"  H.  joins  me  in  love  to  you." 

'■  January  26th,  1816. 

'=  My  Dear  Brother : — I  am  afraid  you  take  too  much 
notice  of  opposition.  Depend  upon  it,  the  more  notice  you 
take  of  it,  the  more  determined  it  will  be.  Had  you  kept 
on  with  the  Reading  Society  at  first,  regardless  of  the 
clamour  of  satan's  deluded  followers,  opposition  to  it  would 
by  this  time  have  been  dead.  For  surely  no  one  thing 
could  be  more  reasonable  than  for  a  number  of  young 
ladies  to  meet  together  for  the  purpose  of  reading  religious 
books.  You  had  better  never  have  thought  of  the  Reading 
Society,  than  to  have  given  it  up  when  opposed.  Opposi- 
tion was  by  that  emboldened.  No  wonder  it  destroyed 
your  prayer-meetings  :  no  wonder  it  now  threatens  you 
with  something  else.  You  must  meet  it,  and  meet  it  boldly 
in  the  strength  of  your  Master.  It  may  rail,  it  may  storm ; 
but  eventually,  it  will  die,  for  stronger  is  He  that  is  for  you 
than  they  who  are  against  you. 

"  Be  careful  and  prayerful  in  the  plans  that  you  select 
for  the  glory  of  your  Master ;  but  when  once  you  select 
one  and  announce  it,  carry  it  on,  though  all  the  principali- 
ties and  powers  oppose.  Suppose  you  were  even  to  fall  a 
martyr ;  glorious,  glorious  indeed  would  be  your  crown  of 
victory  :  attendant  Seraphim  would,  with  acclamation,  waft 
you  to  the  mansions  eternal.  While,  then,  with  all  gentle- 
ness, meekness,  and  humility,  you  adorn  the  doctrine  of 
God  your  Saviour,  let  nothing  divert  you  from  the  course 
of  duty.  What  else  can  be  expected  but  opposition  from  a 
world  of  wickedness  !  The  more  active  you  are,  the  more 
will  satan  oppose.     But  you  must  fight,  by  the  arms  spiri- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  179 

tual,  the  good  fight  of  faith.  Can  that  be  a  warfare  which 
afTords  no  blows?  Can  he  be  a  Christian  who  sees  no  perse- 
cution ?  For  my  part,  I  hope  to  have  enemies,  for  if  1  have 
none  I  fear  I  do  not  my  duty.  Is  the  disciple  above  his 
Master,  and  the  servant  above  his  Lord  ?  Dei  Gratia  '  Tri- 
umpho,  morte  tam  vita,'  be  your  motto :  and  remember, 
when  you  engage  in  the  course  of  duty,  Jesus  your  Master 
will  fight  by  your  side  :  your  feet  shall  rest  upon  the  rock 
of  ages,  and  over  you  shall  wave  the  banner  of  your  God, 
"  My  brother,  1  tremble,  however,  lest  through  the  strength 
of  old  Adam,  you  get  not  the  right  spirit.  Be  then  sure,  I 
repeat,  to  have  the  graces  of  your  Master.  Have  the  wis- 
dom of  the  serpent,  and  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove.  But 
be  sure  also,  like  Paul,  not  to  count  your  life  dear  unto 
yourself,  that  you  may  finish  your  course  with  joy.  My 
brother,  to  God  I  commit  you ;  may  stars  be  many  in  your 
crown  of  rejoicing,  and  may  your  people  become  zealous 
for  the  Lord  of  Hosts. 

"Your's,  prayerfully  and  afiectionately, 

B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

"  February  17th. 

"  Your  last  letter,  my  brother,  has  filled  me  with  alarm. 
My  wish  concerning  you,  is  to  see  you  distinguished  for 
usefulness  as  a  minister  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  with 
your  mind  stored  with  knowledge.  I  wish  to  behold  you 
taking  your  station  among  the  defenders  of  the  faith,  ready 
alike,  in  the  might  of  your  Master,  to  meet  and  to  conquer 
every  temporal  and  spiritual  foe. 

"But  now  your  heart  is  fixed  on  that  which  must  inter- 
fere with  your  progress  in  the  attainment  of  knowledge, 
and  perhaps  give  a  death-blow  to  your  usefulness.  How 
can  you,  just  in  the  threshold  of  your  studies,  as  you  are, 
expect  to  go  on  in  them,  with  any  prospect  of  success,  if 
overwhelmed  with  the  cares  of  a  family  ?  How  can  you 
expect,  even  studies  aside,  to  support  a  family  ?  Your  salary 


180  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

small,  and  that  not  of  certain  continuance,  you  cannot  meet 
its  wants.  Wait  till  you  are  ordained,  then  you  may  calcu- 
late that  a  support  will  await  you.  You  will  plunge  into 
the  midst  of  difficulties,  without  the  means  of  travelling 
through  them.  Providence  evidently  points  to  you  your 
duty.  It  has  given  you  enough,  comfortably  to  provide  for 
your  individual  wants,  in  order  that  you  may  in  peace  pur- 
sue that  course  of  study  necessary  to  your  usefulness.  If 
your  heart  be,  (through  want  of  watchfulness,)  now  set  on 
that  which  threatens  to  jeopardize  your  usefulness  as  a 
minister  of  the  Gospel,  make  it  a  subject  of  fervent  prayer, 
that  you  may  be  rescued  from  the  temptation,  and  enabled 
to  gain  strength  equal  to  your  day.  At  a  suitable  time, 
when  you  are  permanently  settled,  I  should  desire  to  see 
you  the  partner  of  a  believer  in  Christ.  But  now,  do  not 
be  so  precipitate." 

"  1  have  feared  whether  my  last  letter  may  not  nurse  too 
much  of  the  stern  in  your  conduct  with  your  people.  Be 
wise  as  a  serpent,  but  harmless  as  a  dove.  With  meekness 
meet  those  who  oppose  themselves.  Remember,  as  our 
Saviour  deals  with  us,  his  perverse  disciples,  so  must  we 
deal  with  the  perverse  of  our  people,  with  gentleness,  for- 
bearance, and  long-suffering.  Study  your  holy  Master's 
character,  and  pray  that  his  grace  may  help  you  to  imitate 
his  perfections.  Be  firm,  but  mild.  Rashly  engage  in  no 
one  thing.  Take  counsel;  be  prayerful;  then  decide; 
then  pursue,  but  with  meekness. 

"  Affectionately,  your's,  B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

"  March  15th. 
"  My  brother,  remember  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel  is  love. 
Be  then  kindly  affectioned,  not  only  to  the  good  and  gentle, 
but  also  to  the  froward.  Never  lose  your  temper.  Always 
be  careful  '  what  spirit  you  are  of.'  Study  much  the  cha- 
racter of  your  Master,  and  be  a  wrestling  Jacob  and  pre- 


REV.   BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  181 

vailing  Israel  for  grace  to  be  like  him.  Remember,  he  was 
meek,  he  was  gentle,  he  was  humble,  he  was  full  of  charity. 
They  who  will  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus,  must  sutler  per- 
secution. Rejoice  then,  if  honoured  with  any  revilings  for 
the  Gospel's  sake.  Pray  for  your  enemies,  if  you  have  any. 
Do  good  to  them  that  hate  you.  May  the  peace  of  God, 
which  passeth  understanding,  keep  your  heart  and  mind. 
Think  you  it  strange,  to  be  called  to  suffer  injuries  ?  Was 
not  Christ  called  Beelzebub?  Endure  then  hardness,  like  a 
good  soldier  of  the  cross." 

"  April  28th. 

"Beloved  Brother  : — My  advice  to  you  is,  give  up  your 
Parish  at  once,  for,  First,  The  Bishop  and  Mr.  Wilmer 
appear  to  desire  it  from  your  letter.  Second,  The  Church 
in  Dumfries,  will  flourish  more  effectually  under  the  care 
of  one  who  is  in  orders.  Third,  It  is  better  to  have  no 
people,  than  a  divided  one.  Fourth,  Your  health  is  injured 
by  that  climate.  Fifth,  I  want  you  here.  The  Church 
will  be  scandalized  by  the  opposition  between  Mr.  S.  and 
yourself,  and  for  the  good  of  the  Church,  then,  I  wish  you 
silently  to  yield. 

"Your  situation  here  will  be  attended  with  many  advan- 
tages. You  can  have  charge  of  two  respectable,  kind, 
hospitable  country  congregations,  which  will  comfortably 
provide  for  you.  You  will  be  among  a  people  of  industrious 
habits,  of  no  slaves,  of  sincere  hospitality  and  plainness.  I 
cannot  attend  to  them,  and  I  must  provide  for  them  some 
one.  One  of  these  congregations  is  just  finishing  off  a 
new  stone  church,  Bunker's-Hill.  You  will  be  near  me, 
and  of  course  will  receive  my  most  affectionate  and  con- 
tinual aid. 

"  You  cannot  for  some  time  be  ordained,  while  Provi- 
dence may  favour  me  with  ordination  this  spring,  and  you 
can  thus  have  me,  or  Mr.  Horrell,  who  takes  Martinsburg 


182  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

and  Hedges-Chapel,  to  administer  for  you  the  sacraments, 
and  thus  you  can  at  your  leisure  pursue  your  studies. 

"  Come,  my  brother,  come  to  my  arms.  Come  to  this 
healthy,  fertile  portion  of  the  land,  where  you  will  be  com- 
fortably provided  for,  and  where  you  will  be  by  the  side  of 
the  only  brother  you  have  on  earth  ;  one  to  whom  his  people 
will  be  as  your  people,  and  your  people  as  his  people. 

"  Thank  God  for  the  blessings  he  has  vouchsafed  on  your 
labours  at  Dumfries,  and  leave  to  his  protecting  care  the 
plants  that  have  sprung  under  your  watering.  He  can 
defend  them  from  every  ill.  He  can  make  them  bloom  and 
flourish  in  the  paradise  of  God. 

"  Ever  your's,  B.  ALLEN,  Jr." 

In  another  letter,  he  observes — 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — As  to  yourself,  fear  not,  only  do  your 
duty  faithfully,  and  he  who  feeds  the  young  ravens  when 
they  cry,  will  see  your  need  supplied.  Be  thankful  that 
the  Lord  has  blessed  you  so  abundantly.  Contrast  your 
situation  now,  with  that  when  you  lay  ill  with  your  frac- 
tured leg,  and  say  if  the  Lord  has  not  been  abundant  in 
blessing.  Especially,  my  dear  brother,  be  thankful  that 
your  labours  have  been  in  some  degree  owned  by  the  Head 
of  the  Church  ;  that  you  have  been  made  the  humble  instru- 
ment, in  his  hand,  of  turning  some  souls  from  darkness  to 
light.  Let  souls  be  still  you  great  desire.  To  win  souls, 
Christ  died.  To  win  souls,  his  followers  should  strive. 
Redouble  your  diligence.  Be  more  and  more  fervent  and 
constant  in  prayer.  Pour  out  your  supplications  continu- 
ally, for  the  salvation  of  your  people.  Speak  a  word  in 
season  and  out  of  season.  Seek  more  and  more  of  divine 
grace  for  your  own  heart,  that  you  may  become  more  hum- 
ble, more  spiritual,  more  like  your  crucified  Master.  May 
the  giver  of  grace  bless  you  and  your  fold.  Fervent,  hum- 
ble prayer,  offered  up  in  faith,  will  effect  wonders  :  remem- 
ber that.  Your's,  in  the  best  of  bonds." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  183 

"July  17th,  1817. 

"  Dear  Thomas : — Your's  is  a  situation  of  great  advan- 
tage, inasmuch  as  it  is  a  scene  of  trial.  It  has  given  me 
much  pleasure  to  perceive  that  you  have  been  supported 
through  several  trials  already,  and  I  cannot  but  hope  they 
are  fitting  you  for  greater  usefulness.  At  least  it  will  be 
your  fault  if  they  do  not. 

"  In  the  present  instance,  I  would  advise  you  to  watch 
the  leadings  of  Providence.  Decide  not  hastily.  Of  this 
you  may  be  certain,  that  if  you  leave  every  thing  in  the 
hand  of  God,  he  will  order  all  things  well. 

"  Young  men  ought  to  labour  among  desolations  ;  they 
ought  to  spend  their  strength  in  the  very  brunt  of  the  battle. 
How  much  better  to  look  back  on  ruins  revived  by  the 
blessing  of  God  on  our  labours,  than  on  years  reposed  away 
amid  the  verdant  portions  of  the  vineyard.  Looking  for 
you  in  a  few  weeks,  I  remain,  with  love  from  H.  and  myself, 
your's  ever,  B.  ALLEN." 

"  November  21st. 

"  Dear  Thomas : — Your's  T  answer  immediately  on  receipt. 
My  advice  is,  that  you  go  to  Alexandria,  and  spend  the 
necessary  time  with  Mr.  Wilmer,  previous  to  ordination. 
As  to  funds,  I  know  no  other  resource  than  Providence. 
That  same  good  God  who  has  helped  us  hitherto,  will 
doubtless  carry  us  on.  The  grace  of  God  is  sufficient  for 
you.     He  will  doubtless  make  all  this  a  blessing. 

"  Your's  as  ever." 
"  Shepherdstown,  February  3d,  1818. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — I  am  very  glad  to  hear  of  your  settle- 
ment in  Mr.  Wilmer's  family,  and  thankful  for  the  advan- 
tages you  possess.  While  I  would  give  a  word  of  caution 
not  to  injure  your  health  by  too  incessant  application,  I 
would  intreat  you,  as  you  desire  future  usefulness,  to  profit 
by  your  present  opportunity.  Our  intellectual  powers  are 
given  us  as  a  talent  by  which  to  glorify  God  ;  and  though, 


184  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

without  his  grace  we  can  do  nothing,  still,  with  minds  wel 
stored  and  well  cultivated,  we  can,  by  his  assistance,  do 
much.  He  usually  works  by  means,  and  therefore,  if  we 
would  glorify  him  abundantly,  we  must  endeavour  to  secure 
within  our  grasp,  as  efficient  means  as  possible.  Neglect 
not  constant,  fervent  prayer,  but  endeavour  to  gain  a  spi- 
rituality, a  heavenly-mindedness.  At  the  same  time,  seek 
to  store  your  mind  with  all  those  treasures  which  will  enable 
you  to  understand,  and  to  unfold  the  word  of  God  to  the 
greatest  advantage.  You  may  rely  upon  it,  it  is  a  great 
thing  to  preach  the  Gospel :  greater  than  young  men  are 
apt  to  think.  It  is  one  thing  to  awaken  careless  sinners, 
and  another  to  build  up  tempted  saints.  An  ardent,  and 
unfurnished  mind,  who  knows  little  of  Scripture,  may  be 
the  means  of  doing  the  former;  but  it  requires  one  who 
can  skilfully  divide  the  word  of  truth,  to  do  the  latter.  It 
is  a  great  thing  to  give  to  every  one  his  meat  in  due  season. 
When  we  know  little  of  the  word  of  God,  we  are  apt  to 
form  opinions  hastily,  and  to  lead  others  into  them,  to  their 
injury  ;  and  afterwards,  when  we  would  correct  the  effect  of 
our  error,  we  find  it  impracticable.  However,  do  not  fall 
into  the  opposite  extreme,  of  exchanging  spirituality  for 
learning.  Be  sure,  in  a  diligent  use  of  the  means  of  grace, 
to  cherish  the  simplicity  of  your  faith,  and  the  energy  of 
your  devotion ;  at  the  same  time,  that  by  close  study,  you 
are  procuring  yourself  tools  to  work  with. 

"  Remember  us  affectionately  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilmer, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norris,  with  all  friends. 

"  Your's,  truly,  B.  ALLEN." 

"July  10th,  1818. 

"  The  Church   appears  to  be  now  in  a  most  important 

stage  of  its  existence.     It  is  evident  '  the  lovers  of  pleasure' 

are  very  much  aroused,  and  I  hope  their  opposition  will  not 

effect  our  stability,  except  to  increase  it.     Like  the  oak. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  18S 

may  we  only  be  the  more  firmly  rooted  by  the  tempest. 
Such  movements  prove  a  little  whether  we  have  faith.  If 
there  were  no  trials,  there  would  be  no  cross,  and  no  test  of 
our  obedience.  Trust  ye  in  the  Lord  for  ever,  for  with  the 
Lord  Jehovah  is  everlasting  strength.  But  I  am  more  afraid 
of  another  thing,  and  that  is,  that  some  of  our  brethren  will 
suffer  themselves  to  be  opposed  into  the  belief,  that  they 
ought  to  go  further ;  and  in  their  eagerness  to  show  that 
they  mean  to  stand  firm,  will  adopt  coercive  measures. 
While  they  contend  steadfastly,  I  want  to  see  them  show 
forth  meekness.  I  hope  they  will  act  conscientiously,  but 
with  that  mildness  and  gentleness  which  becomes  the  ser- 
vant of  God.  Be  ye  not  afraid  of  their  revilings,  neither 
let  Satan  drive  you  into  violence,  I  would  fain  say  to  all. 
Oh,  that  the  Spirit  may  be  poured  out  upon  all  of  us :  the 
spirit  of  wisdom  and  understanding ;  the  spirit  of  counsel 
and  might ;  the  spirit  of  meekness  and  love. 

"  Pray  for  us  all :  Pray  for  the  multitude  of  the  ungodly : 
Pray  fervently,  perseveringly,  unceasingly.  Call  on  your 
people  to  pray  also.  Your's,  truly, 

B.  ALLEN,  not  B.  Allen,  Jr. 
"  Reverend  is  distinction  enough  from  our  father.'''' 
Thus  he  changed  his  signature  after  his  ordination. 

"  CllARLESTOWN,  ApRiL  22d,  1819. 

"  I  hope  still  to  see  you  here  next  week,  though  your 
letter,  received  yesterday,  informs  me  you  think  you  cannot 
come.  Bryan,  and  myself,  and  my  delegate,  expect  to  be 
with  you  on  Sunday,  May  9th,  and  go  on  with  you,  on  horse- 
back, to  Petersburg.  You  can  have  the  Sacrament  if  you 
choose.  As  Meade  has  devoted  himself  to  the  colonization 
business,  our  tour  under  the  Ridge  is  broken  up." 

"  By  all  means  we  expect  you.  As  to  your  horse,  I  have 
plenty  of  corn,  (thanks  to  Him  who  opens  the  hearts  of  the 
people,)  and  your  route  down,  especially,  will  be  an  easy  one." 

R 


186  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

"  We  have  established  a  Sunday-school  in  the  ChurcliJn 
Shepherdstown,  which,  last  Sabbath,  had  sixty-six  scholars. 
One  at  the  Forge,  which  had  forty-two.  Four  hundred 
children  are  in  Sunday-schools  in  this  district,  of  which 
near  half  the  number  are  in  Sharpsburg.  Laus  Deo.  Pray 
and  labour  on.  In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  and  in  the 
evening  withhold  not  thine  hand,  for  thou  canst  not  tell 
which  shall  prosper,  this  or  that.  Above  all,  pray  and  call 
on  all  your  people  to  be  wrestling  Jacobs  and  prevailing 
Israels.  Read  your  Bible  more  than  any  thing  else ;  and 
again  I  say,  pray. 

"  About  thirty  have  been  added  to  the  Shepherdstown 
Church  within  the  last  four  months,  principally  from  the 
other  side  of  the  river.  God  has  given  me  a  coadjutor  in 
the  teacher  of  our  Shepherdstown  Academy ;  a  pious  man, 
at  the  head  of  the  Sunday-schools.  Oh  how  much  is  to  be 
done  yet !  May  the  Holy  Ghost  descend  upon  us !  It  is 
an  admirable  thing  to  get  the  people  actively  engaged  in 
doing  good,  as  in  Sunday-schools,  Tract  Societies,  &c.  It 
keeps  them  out  of  mischief,  and  is  a  great  means  of  grace." 

October  25th,  he  also  writes — 
"  Dear  Thomas : — I  hope  you  are  growing  in  grace,  in 
godly  sincerity  and  zeal,  for  the   salvation  of  souls.     The 
night  Cometh  wherein  no  man  can  work,  either  in  his  own 
heart  or  for  the  good  of  others.     Our  love  to  Margaret. 
"  Your's,  affectionately,  B.  ALLEN." 

Many  circumstances  are  given  in  the  foregoing  extracts, 
which  not  only  more  clearly  unfold  my  brother's  character 
and  history,  but  are  well  designed  to  be  useful  to  others. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

EPISCOPAL  SOCIETY  OF  THE  VALLEY  ORGANIZED SERMON  QIC 

SPREADING   THE   GOSPEL- — DIVISION    OF  THE   DIOCESS   PRO- 
POSED. 

The  extension  of  the  Gospel  in  the  immense  valley  in 
which  my  brother  resided,  was  an  object  near  his  heart,  and 
particularly  excited  the  attention  of  his  neighbouring  breth- 
ren. They  organized  themselves  into  an  Association,  enti- 
tled, the  "  Episcopal  Society  of  the  Valley."  The  following 
were  the  officers  of  the  Society : — 

Rev.  Alexander  Balmain,  D.  D.,  President, 

p"""*  ?'"''v!  S-'Pt^'"''  \  Vice-Presidents, 
Rev.  hnoch  M.  Lowe,  ^ 

Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Secretary, 

Obed  Waite,  Esq.,  Treasurer. 

Their  feelings  and  views  were  unfolded  in  a  circular, 
which  was  issued  December  2d,  1819,  by  rriy  brother,  as 
Secretary  of  the  Society. 

I  have  before  me  the  report  of  their  missionary,  who, 
within  the  space  of  four  months,  travelled  more  than  one 
thousand  miles,  preached  more  than  sixty  times  in  the  three 
counties  of  Hampshire,  Hardy,  and  Alleghany,  Md.,  bap- 
tized twenty-seven,  instituted  various  Sunday-schools,  &c. 

The  claims  of  this  Society  were  very  impressively  brought 
before  the  public,  in  a  sermon  which  my  brother  preached 
in  Winchester,  early  in  the  year  1820.  It  was  afterwards 
published,  and  well  received.  In  this  sermon  the  important 
duty  of  extending  the  saving  influence  of  the  Gospel,  is  so 
happily  urged  upon  the  mind  and  heart,  that  I  feel  myself 
bound  to  place  it  here. 


188  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Winchester,  January  7th,  1820. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : — Permit  me,  in  the  name  of  the  congre- 
gation, to  return  you  thanks  for  your  excellent  sermon  yesterday 
delivered  in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  this  place,  and  to 
request  you  to  furnish  a  copy  for  the  press. 

ALEX.  BALMAIN,  Minister  Prot.  Epis.  Church." 
Rev.  Benj.  Allen. 

"  To  his  venerable  friend,  the  Rev.  Alex.  Balmain,  D.  D.,  and 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Congregation  of  Winchester,  this  Ser- 
mon is  respectfully  dedicated,  as  a  small  tribute  of  gratitude  for 
their  liberal  contribution  to  the  cause  of  his  Master,  by  the 
Author. 

Charlestown,  Jefferson  County,  Va.  > 
January  20, 1820."  S 

"  The  Duty  of  Spreading  the  Gospel  ;" 

"  A  Sermon,  preached  in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
of  Winchester,  Va.  on  Thursday  the  sixth  of  January, 
1820;  (being  the  Anniversary  of  the  Epiphany,  or  Ma- 
nifestation of  Christ  to  the  Gentiles,)  soliciting  a  contri- 
bution to  the  funds  of  the  Episcopal  Society  of  the  Valley  ; 
by  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Rector  of  the  Parish  of 
St.  Andrew's,  Va." 

"  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength,  and  with  all  thy 
mind;  and  thy  neighbour  as  thyself. — Luke  x.  27." 

"  Among  the  works  of  creation  how  small  is  the  acorn  of 
the  woods,  but  let  it  be  expanded  to  the  utmost  of  its  ability, 
and  what  does  it  become — an  oak  whose  branching  honours 
tower  amid  the  storm,  amid  whose  leaves  dwell  the  tribes 
of  air,  and  beneath  whose  shade  repose  the  beasts  of  the 
field :  If  fallen  by  the  hand  of  man,  it  cheers  his  domestic 
circle,  it  throws  around  him  a  strong  habitation,  it  sustains 
the  arches  of  the  temple  of  his  God,  it  bears  him  from 
continent  to  continent,  it  breasts  for  him  the  tempest  of 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  189 

war,  it  carries  the  thunder  of  battle.  Thus,  comparing 
small  with  great,  thus  is  it  with  our  text.  It  is  the  law  and 
the  prophets  in  embryo.  It  has  folded  within  it,  like  a 
germ,  all  the  precepts,  all  the  commandments,  that  have 
ever  been  the  burden  of  revelation  from  God  to  man.  It 
is  the  root  of  that  tree  of  wisdom,  which,  planted  immedi- 
ately after  the  fall,  and  ascending  and  expanding  during 
the  successive  ages  of  patriarchs,  and  prophets,  and  apos- 
tles, now  spreads  its  branches  throughout  the  moral  firma- 
ment, and  invites  all  mankind  to  rest  beneath  its  shadow, 
and  gather  life  and  immortality  in  its  fruits.  We  doubt 
not  it  is  the  root  of  the  tree  of  wisdom  in  the  Heaven  of 
Heavens — that  tree,  which,  '  fast  by  the  throne  of  God,' 
reflects  upon  the  minds  of  cherubim  and  seraphim,  direc- 
tions concerning  their  duty. 

"  This  law  it  becomes  us  to  obey,  for  by  it,  when  carried 
out  into  its  various  parts,  shall  we  be  judged.  It  is  the 
law  under  which  Adam  was  placed,  and,  he  having  broken 
it,  it  is  the  law  under  which  all  who  hope  for  salvation 
through  the  second  Adam  are  again  brought,  that,  by  the 
power  of  divine  grace,  gaining  a  conformity  to  it  in  this 
world,  they  may  show  forth  that  conformity,  in  all  its  beauty 
and  loveliness,  in  the  world  to  come. 

"  On  this  solemn  and  interesting  occasion,*  when  we  are 
assembled  from  different  parts  of  our  land,  to  testify,  in  a 
variety  of  ways,  our  love  to  a  crucified  Redeemer,  it  will 
be  peculiarly  appropriate  for  us  to  revolve  the  most  effectual 
manner  of  rendering  an  obedience  to  this  law.  We  may, 
and  unquestionably  ought  to  obey  it,  by  surrendering  our 
rebellious  and  discordant  passions  at  the  foot  of  the  cross 
of  Jesus,  and  with  an  all  Hail !  acknowledging  Him  as  our 
Lord.     We  may  obey  it  by  taking  it  as  our  guide  through 

*  The  Managers  of  the  Episcopal  Society  of  the  Valley,  were 
tlien  in  session. 

k2 


190  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

the  darkness  of  this  pilgrimage,  making  it  the  means  of 
creating  to  us  that  path,  lohich  shineth  more  and  more  unto 
the  perfect  day.  We  may  obey  it  by  making  it  our  orbit  of 
revolution  around  the  Sun  of  Righteousness,  and  reflecting 
the  beams  of  a  pure  example  upon  the  world.  But  there 
is  a  degree  of  obedience  still  higher  than  that  of  rendering 
to  it  the  homage  of  our  individual  holiness ;  a  degree  which 
will  call  into  exercise  the  full  tide  of  our  affections,  and  the 
utmost  vigour  of  our  powers;  a  degree  which  will  make  us 
fellow  ministers  with  angels,  and  co-workers  with  God ; 
that  degree  is,  the  exerting  ourselves  to  spread  abroad  the 
knowledge  of  the  Gospel.  We  may  feed  the  hungry,  we 
may  clothe  the  naked,  we  may  open  our  doors  to  the  wan- 
derer,  but  who  can  estimate  the  blessedness  of  spreading 
abroad  the  Gospel ! 

"  This,  like  mercy,  '  is  twice  blessed : 
'  It  blesseth  him  who  gives  and  him  who  takes ; 
'  'Tis  mightiest  in  the  mightiest ;  it  becomes 
'The  throned  monarch  better  than  his  crown : 
'  It  is  an  attribute  of  God  himself.' 

"  Science  is  precious  ;  the  arts  are  good  ;  wealth  is  useful ; 
but  the  Gospel — that  is  the  fountain  of  order,  the  source  of 
comfort,  the  well-spring  of  content,  the  channel  of  purity ; 
that  sweetens  domestic  tenderness,  and  spreads  over  fami- 
lies all  that  is  amiable  :  that  presides  in  neighbourhoods, 
to  prompt  the  sympathies  of  affection,  and  originate  the 
kindness  of  love :  standing  by  the  pillow  of  affliction,  it 
wipes  away  the  tear  of  sorrow,  and  reveals  a  Paradise  of 
joy  ;  taking  the  orphan  by  the  hand,  it  leads  him  to  a 
Father  in  the  Heavens  ;  healing  the  heart  of  the  widow,  it 
enables  her  to  kiss  the  rod ;  rocking  the  pillow  of  age,  it 
sheds  over  its  infirmities  the  dew  of  celestial  strength; 
chasing  the  darkness  of  the  grave,  it  shows  at  its  entrance 
an  embassy  of  waiting  angels.     Death  it  transforms  into  a 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  191 

porter  of  the  gates  of  glory,  and  dissolution  into  a  precur- 
sor of  everlasting  beauty.  It  nurtures  the  helplessness  of 
infancy,  checks  the  waywardness  of  childhood,  and  guides 
the  inexperience  of  youth  ;  ever  mingling  with  the  stream 
of  early  existence,  a  cheerfulness  always  serene,  and  a  use- 
fulness always  active.  Balancing  the  reciprocal  duties  of 
life,  it  assigns  to  each  his  station,  his  temper,  and  his 
employ.  It  teaches  the  parent  to  be  faithful,  and  the  child 
to  be  obedient ;  the  husband  to  be  affectionate,  and  the  wife 
to  be  a  ministering  spirit :  the  master  to  be  kind,  and  the 
servant  to  be  industrious  ;  the  ruler  to  be  just,  and  the  sub- 
ject to  be  dutiful.  It  counsels  the  rich  to  beneficence,  and 
the  poor  to  patience : — the  enemy  to  be  forgiving,  and  the 
injured  to  bless.  It  presents  to  the  view  of  all,  that  precious 
jaw,  every  word  of  which  beams  as  a  sun  on  the  happiness 
of  man.  Whatsoever  ye  xoould  that  men  should  do  to  you, 
do  ye  even  so  to  them. 

"  Over  the  porch  of  the  tavern  it  writes  a  lesson  of  tem- 
perance :  at  the  door  of  the  tippling-house,  it  presents  a 
vision  of  judgment :  in  the  ear  of  the  gambler  it  pronounces 
the  accents  of  warning  :  to  the  midnight  of  the  adulterer  it 
reveals  the  terrors  of  retribution.  It  converts  the  sluggard 
into  a  man  of  usefulness,  and  the  spendthrift  into  a  man  of 
true  generosity.  It  makes  the  slanderer  a  man  of  peace, 
and  the  covetous  a  man  of  piety.  It  instructs  the  farmer 
at  his  plough,  the  mechanic  at  his  anvil,  the  merchant  at 
his  counter,  the  lawyer  at  his  desk.  It  enlightens  the 
moralist,  and  makes  wise  the  sage.  It  gives  to  the  rugged, 
courteousness  ;  to  the  angry,  gentleness ;  to  the  fretful, 
resignation ;  to  the  sensual,  holiness.  It  subordinates 
appetite  to  conscience,  and  conscience  to  God. 

"  And  what  are  all  these  but  rays  scattered  amid  the 
darkness,  foretelling  the  approach  of  an  unclouded  day. 
The  Gospel  reveals  a  hand  in  the  Heavens,  unrolling  the 
charter  of  man's  everlasting  hopes  :  it  opens  the  volume  of 


192  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

the  counsels  of  God,  and  shows  him  the  page  rich  with 
life  and  immortality.  Annihilating  the  distance  between 
Heaven  and  earth,  it  introduces  him  to  the  presence  of  the 
Father  of  his  spirit,  and  wafts  to  his  ear  the  promise.  Come 
unto  me  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will 
give  you  rest.  Leading  him  to  Calvary,  it  shows  him  writ- 
ten on  the  cross,  God  can  be  just,  and  the  justijier  of  him 
that  believeth.  Along  the  valley  of  humiliation,  it  directs 
him  to  the  fountain  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  whispering  as  he 
advances — Ask  and  it  shall  be  given.  Thus  cleansing  from 
guilt  and  sanctifying  from  depravity,  it  places  him  in  a 
highway  to  an  everlasting  home,  and  at  length  brings  him, 
a  poor,  lost,  wounded,  despairing  wanderer,  to  the  enrap- 
tured hosts  of  congratulating  Seraphim,  and  the  embracing 
arm  of  an  eternal  God. 

"  To  spread  the  Gospel,  therefore,  is  a  paramount  duty. 
If  we  had  a  fountain  whose  healing  waters  could  cure  all 
the  diseases  of  the  body,  would  we  not  send  heralds  to 
sound  along  all  our  mountains  and  throughout  all  our  val- 
lies,  the  language  of  invitation?  If  we  had  a  spring  in 
which  all  who  were  dipped  should  gambol  in  childhood  and 
bloom  in  youth  again,  whatever  were  their  infirmities  or  their 
age,  would  not  the  echo  of  our  call  be  heard  by  the  hunter 
on  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  the  savage  on  the  shores  of 
the  Pacific  ?  And  have  we  not  in  the  Gospel  a  fountain  for 
the  soul,  which  can  circulate  through  all  her  powers  the 
vigour,  the  cheerfulness,  and  the  activity  of  health — cleans- 
ing from  every  defilement,  and  brightening  with  unfading 
youth?  And  shall  we  not  be  solicitous  to  send  forth  the 
Ho  every  one  that  thirsteth  to  all  who  are  destitute  ?  O 
shall  we  not  call  those  of  our  own  blood,  to  pluck  with  us 
the  balm  of  Gilead,  and  to  clothe  themselves  with  us  in 
celestial  panoply,  and  to  crown  themselves  with  us  with 
eternal  effulgence ! 

"And  if,  as  is  the  fact,  we  find  any  who  are  our  country. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  193 

men,  who  are  connected  with  us  by  clime,  and  empire,  and 
kindred,  without  the  means  of  grace,  shall  we  not  exert 
ourselves  to  make  vocal  their  Sabbaths — to  throw  in  the 
path  of  their  little  ones  the  beams  of  the  Gospel,  and  shed 
around  their  habitations  the  light  of  truth?  Shall  we  not 
encourage  them  to  rekindle  the  fire  on  their  ruined  altars — 
to  draw  from  its  scabbard  the  sivord  of  the  Spirit — to  take 
their  harp  from  the  willows,  and  give  to  the  breeze  the  songs 
of  Zion  ?  It  is  the  order  of  God's  Providence  that  men 
should  labour  first  in  their  particular  sphere,  and  then  send 
forth  the  influence  of  their  talents,  nor  stop  them  in  their 
way,  until  they  find,  either  their  own  limit,  or  the  limit  of 
the  family  of  man. 

"  Perhaps  this  congregation  is  not  aware  of  the  extent  of 
the  moral  desolation,  as  whose  solicitor,  I  stand  here  this 
day.  Blessed  with  residence  in  a  place,  where  those  of 
every  denomination  are  supplied  with  pastors  according  to 
the  dictates  of  their  conscience,  it  is  not  aware  that  there 
are  tens  of  thousands,  in  the  vast  district  stretching  between 
us  and  Carolina  and  Kentucky,  who  are  without  the  regular 
ministrations  of  the  Gospel — it  is  not  aware  of  the  fact — 
hear  it,  oh  inhabitants  of  the  Valley,  hear  it,  and  let  the 
echo  long  remain  to  stimulate  you  to  exertion  ! — the  fact 
that  the  people  of  Massachusetts  are  sending  missionaries 
to  this  very  district ;  a  district  at  our  door ;  a  district  inha- 
bited by  our  relations  and  friends ! !  If  we  had  not  the 
means  we  might  listen  to  this  intelligence  without  a  blush, 
but,  as  it  is,  we  may  well  exclaim — '  Can  these  things  be 
without  our  special  wonder  !' 

"  I  have  before  me  an  extract  from  the  Journal  of  one  of 
these  missionaries,  reported  to  the  Society  of  Hampshire 
county,  Mass.,  in  August  last.  His  seat  of  labour  was  Ran- 
dolph county,  Virginia.  It  will  be  to  us  a  source  of  con- 
siderable information.  He  says,  '  many  expressed  their 
gratitude  for  the  interest  your  society  has  taken  in  their 


194  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

spiritual  welfare.  As  it  respects  the  moral  and  religious 
situation  of  tlie  people,  it  probably  resembles  new  settle- 
ments generally.  The  Sabbath  is  by  many  grossly  pro- 
faned, and  some  disregard  all  religious  institutions ;  but 
there  are  also  many  of  regular  and  sober  habits,  who  habi- 
tually attend  on  the  public  ordinances  of  the  Gospel  when 
favoured  with  them.  They  greatly  need  well-educated 
religious  instructors.  All  that  region  is  deplorably  desti- 
tute of  competent  teachers.     Should  Beverly  be  made 

THE  CENTRE  OF  A  CIRCLE,  WHOSE  RADIUS  IS  ONE  HUNDRED 
MILES,  IT  WOULD  NOT  INCLUDE  PROBABLY  MORE  THAN 
THREE,  OR  AT   THE   MOST  FOUR,  WELL-EDUCATED  MINISTERS 

OF  THE  GOSPEL ;  and  two  of  them  have  been  settled  there 
within  a  year  and  a  half  past.' 

"  Another  missionary  was  appointed  by  the  same  Society, 
for  Lewis  county  and  its  vincinity. 

"  One  fact  I  would  state,  which  may  appear  equally 
strange,  the  correctness  of  which,  I  can  myself  attest ; — 
that,  within  three  years,  there  existed  a  body  of  people, 
within  twenty-five  miles  of  this  place,  among  whom  there 
was  no  preacher  of  the  Gospel  of  any  denomination,  and 
whose  language  was  '  If  we  could  have  a  sermon  once  in 
three  months  we  should  be  very  thankful.'  Even  some 
parts  of  the  adjoining  county  of  Shenandoah  were,  until 
lately,  experiencing  a  famine  of  the  word  of  God.  And  if 
this  be  the  situation  of  counties  immediately  contigious  to 
the  best  supplied  sections  of  our  land,  what  must  not  be 
the  state  of  those  more  remote  ;  what  must  not  be  the  state 
of  those  under  and  beyond  the  Alleghany — of  a  host 
scarcely  known  by  name  to  your  preacher,  but  well  known 
to  be  in  a  very  desolate  condition.  Now  will  it  not  become 
us  passing  well  to  send  over  this  wilderness  the  bloom  and 
the  beauty  of  the  garden  of  God  ? — to  multiply  throughout 
it,  facilities  of  gaining  religious  instruction? — to  scatter 
with  liberal  hand  the  good  seed  of  the  Word? 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN'  195 

"  These  considerations  address  themselves  alike  to  all, 
but  there  is  one  which  makes  its  peculiar  appeal  to  us  ;  and 
that  is,  that  in  this  vast  district,  there  are  very  many,  who, 
baptized  at  our  altars,  continue  attached  to  our  Commu- 
nion, and  sound  in  our  ears  the  language  of  the  man  of 
Macedonia — Come  over  and  help  vs.  Though  scattered 
and  peeled  during  a  long  night  of  adversity,  they  still 
retain  their  early  preference.  A  very  few  years  have 
rolled  round,  since  some  who  now  hear  me,  were  standing 
in  desponding  attitude  by  the  ruins  of  their  Churches,  say- 
ing one  to  another,  Watchman,  what  of  the  night  ?  And 
would  not  the  attention  of  your  brethren  at  a  distance  then 
have  been  precious  to  you?  And  will  you  not  retain,  as  a 
relic  of  your  desolation,  a  sympathy  with  those  who  are 
yet  under  the  cloud,  and  a  determination  to  send  them  the 
means  of  grace  accordant  to  their  wish  ? 

"  The  principal  object  of  the  Society,  which  I  would  fain 
introduce  to  your  notice,  is,  sending  forth  missionaries  to 
waste  places,  west  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  in  Virginia  and 
Maryland.  We  have  no  wish  to  enter  the  enclosures  of 
others,  or  to  interfere  with  any,  but  to  seek  the  sheep  who 
are  wandering  without  a  shepherd  :  to  reclaim  the  lost ;  to 
warn  the  careless ;  to  encourage  the  feeble ;  to  build  up 
the  former  desolations,  the  desolations  of  many  generations. 
Another  object  of  vital  importance,  near  to  the  hearts  of 
the  members  of  this  society,  is,  to  extend  the  helping  hand 
to  such  young  men  of  piety  and  talents,  as  may  be  disposed 
to  enter  the  ministry,  but  are  destitute  of  the  means  of  pro- 
curing an  education  :  The  harvest  indeed  is  great,  but  the 
labourers  are  few. 

"  Being,  as  many  of  us  are,  and  shall  continue  to  be,  con- 
nected with  our  brethren  of  the  Christian  world  generally 
in  Bible  Societies,  those  fountains  of  catholic  feeling,  and 
precursors  of  millennial  unity,  it  is  not  supposed  that  the 
funds  of  this  institution  will  be  drawn  upon  to  any  con- 


196  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

siderable  extent  for  the  purchase  of  Bibles,  though  our 
missionaries  are  expected  to  be  active  in  their  distribution. 

"  By  furnishing  a  depot  of  cheap  copies  of  the  Prayer- 
book,  our  society  will  prove  a  convenience  even  to  those 
parishes  which  are  supplied  with  pastors  ;  and  if  to  those, 
how  much  more  to  such  as  are  just  organizing. 

"  Tracts  are  acknowledged  by  Christendom  to  be  a  pow- 
erful means  of  doing  good.  They  are  the  small  artillery 
of  the  army  of  the  cross,  but,  like  the  rifle  corps  in  the  days 
of  the  revolution,  they  perform  essential  service  to  the 
cause.  They  are  missiles  of  great  efficiency.  Like  rays 
of  light,  or  drops  of  morning  dew,  they  dart  and  penetrate 
every  where ,  and,  though  silent  in  their  operation,  are 
visible  in  their  effects.  They  proved  a  useful  engine  in 
the  days  of  the  reformation,  and  much  did  the  Papists  com- 
plain of  '  those  noisome  little  books.'  From  the  blessing 
that  accompanies  them  now,  it  appears  evident  that  the 
Head  of  the  Church  intends  them  as  one  effectual  means, 
by  which  He  will  usher  in  the  millennial  day  glory.  On  the 
wing  of  these  '  messengers  of  salvation,'  the  Society  hopes 
to  speed  Bible-principles  in  every  direction. 

"  Other  channels  of  grace  will  probably  present  them- 
selves from  time  to  time,  but  these  are  they  which  press 
upon  our  immediate  attention. 

"  Lift  tip  your  eyes  and  look  on  the  fields,  for  they  are 
white  already  to  the  harvest.  They  call  on  your  sympathies 
as  men  and  as  Christians.  See  the  Sabbath  profaned  as  a 
day  of  hunting  or  amusement.  Hear  the  sound  of  frolic 
and  of  riot  from  the  frequent  tippling-house.  See  the  rags 
and  the  beggary  of  mothers,  and  of  children,  more  wretched 
than  widows  and  orphans.  And  amid  these  examples  the 
young  are  growing  up,  with  none  to  lead  them  to  the  foun- 
tain of  morals,  or  open  to  them  the  volume  of  hope.  Here 
and  there,  perhaps,  a  family  endeavours  to  stem  the  general 
torrent,  and  to  preserve  itself  from  the  prevailing  contagion. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  197 

Here  and  there  an  aged  matron,  who  remembers  better  days, 
recounts  to  her  descendants  the  times  of  old,  when  she 
took  sweet  counsel,  and  walked  unto  the  house  of  God  in 
company :  and  here  and  there  a  patriarch,  as  he  reclines 
amid  his  sons  and  his  sons'  sons,  points  to  the  remains  of 
the  well-used  Bible,  and  the  few  leaves  of  the  tattered  Prayer- 
book,  relics  perhaps  of  his  grandsire,  and  heralds  of  brighter 
years,  and  the  tear  glistens  in  his  eye,  as,  lifting  it  towards 
Heaven,  he  exclaims — '  Lord  shall  I  ever  see  thy  salvation !' 
"  Behold  your  missionary  approaches  : — He  is  hailed  with 
delight  by  the  few  Simeons  and  Annas  who  yet  linger  around 
the  altar  ;  their  influence  is  exerted,  and  the  congregation 
assembles  :  their  sanctuary  is  the  shade  of  a  few  wide- 
spread oaks,  or  a  room  in  some  private  dwelling;  or  it  may 
be  the  ruins  of  some  ancient  temple,  whence  the  unwilling 
cattle  have  that  morning  been  driven,  and  where  the  birds, 
as  they  hover  around  the  preacher,  proclaim  in  clamorous 
tones  their  long  undisputed  right :  he  sounds  the  accents 
of  devotion  :  he  reads  the  sacred  page  :  he  offers  up  those 
prayers   hallowed  by  the  lips  of  an  army  of  martyrs :  he 
preaches  to  them  Jesus.     They  go  to  their  homes ;  he  joins 
them  at  their  firesides ;  he  recounts  to  them  the  excellen- 
cies of  the  Redeemer,  and  the  truths  of  the  book  of  God  ; — 
the  tear  trickles  down  the  cheek  of  age,  and   the  light  of 
pleasure  beams   in  the  manly  eye — '  the  church  shall  be 
built — the  congregation  shall  be  gathered — by  the  blessing 
of  God  there   shall  be  a  change  !' — Such  is  the  resolution 
oft  repeated,  and  the  blessing  of  God  descends  and  makes 
the  resolution  effectual.     Now  mark  the  result.     The  Sab- 
bath is  hallowed ;  the  sanctuary  rises — all  hands  ply  the 
work,  for  all  hearts  are  stirred  up,  and  every  spi7-it  is  made 
willing;  the  top-stone  is  brought  forth ;  the  congregation 
enters ; — praise   from  a  full  choir  ascends  ;  those  psalms 
whose  echo  once  sounded  throughout  the  holy  place,  and 
died  away  at  the  entrance  of  the  Holy  of  Holies,  are  re- 

s 


19&  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

sponded;  'have  mercy  upon  us,  miserable  sinners !'  rises 
from  many  tongues ;  the  doctrines  of  the  cross  are  ex- 
pounded ;  households  present  themselves  at  the  baptismal 
font ; — the  table  of  the  Lord  is  spread  : — Who  can  count 
the  tears  of  penitence  and  of  joy  that  mingle  as  they  flow, 
while  parents  lead  their  children  to  the  emblems  of  the 
body  and  the  blood  of  the  Redeemer : — There,  kneels  an 
aged  one,  who,  as  he  bows  his  gray  locks,  whispers,  Lord, 
now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace; — there,  seeking 
in  vain  to  hide  his  grief,  is  a  returning  prodigal,  bowed  at 
his  father's  side  ; — angels  as  they  hover  round,  haste  their 
ascent  to  convey  the  glad  tidings,  and  God  remembers  his 
promise  :  He  that  loatereth  shall  be  watered  also  himself. 
But  all  is  not  yet  told ;  again  the  Sabbath  returns ;  their 
missionary  is  not  with  them,  but  the  steps  of  the  people 
again  are  directed  towards  the  house  of  prayer :  In  what 
are  they  emi)loyed  ?  A  Sunday-school : — The  youth  are 
teaching  the  children  from  the  book  of  God,  while  those  of 
mature  age,  as  they  watch  o'er  all,  are  heard  to  say,  'Oh 
that  these  privileges  had  blessed  our  early  days.'  The 
tavernkeeper  wonders  what  detains  the  throng  from  his 
bar — he  follows,  and  is  himself  converted.  Industry  now 
presides  throughout  the  fields,  and  cheerfulness  beams 
around  the  dwellings :  Plenty  takes  the  place  of  riot,  and 
benevolence  of  covetousness.  Instead  of  the  Almanac  and 
the  Dreambook,  tracts  now  compose  the  library  of  the  cot- 
tage ;  and  instead  of  the  novel  and  the  newspaper,  Dod- 
dridge and  Hannah  More  are  ushered  into  the  richer  dwell- 
ing :  the  Bible  has  its  place  in  every  house,  and  the  Prayer- 
book  lies  by  its  side :  morning  and  evening  witness  the 
ascent  of  incense  from  the  family  altar ;  and  the  sick  bed 
has  its  spiritual  comfort,  and  the  bed  of  death  its  brighten- 
ing  hope.  All  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel  are  scattered 
throughout  the  land,  and  the  wilderness  blossoms  like 
the  rose. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  199 

"  Brethren,  these  are  no  fancies ;  their  counterpart  can  be 
shown  you  in  facts,  as  many  who  now  hear  me  can  testify : 
for  stick  were  some  of  you  ;  but  ye  are  washed,  but  ye  are 
sanctified,  but  ye  are  justified,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
end  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God.  Now  you  bless  the  return- 
ing Sabbath,  for  it  brings  you  the  voice  of  the  preacher ; 
you  hail  the  morn  and  even,  for  they  prostrate  you  in  family 
devotion.  In  days  not  long  gone  by  it  was  not  thus  with 
you  ;  but  it  has  pleased  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching 
to  visit  you :  messenger  after  messenger  has  been  sent, 
minister  after  minister  has  appeared,  almost  in  the  mia- 
sionary  character,  and  now  you  sit  in  your  ceiled  sanctua- 
ries; and  now  you  surround  your  own  altars;  and  now 
the  Church  of  your  fathers  has  taken  her  harp  from  the 
willows,  and  is  sounding  forth  a  song  of  praise.  And  will 
you  not  remember  your  brethren  ! — will  you  not  send  tidings 
to  those  yet  in  the  wilderness ! — will  you  not  tell  them  of 
the  grapes  of  Eschol,  of  \he  feast  of  fat  things,  of  wines  on 
the  lees,  of  fat  things  full  of  marrow,  of  wines  on  the  lees 
well  refined!  Some  of  them  are  without  any  opportunity  of 
hearing  a  preached  Gospel,  will  you  not  commiserate  their 
case  especially,  and  speed  to  them  the  heralds  of  salvation ! 

"  Oh,  I  have  seen  the  aged  mother,  who,  for  twenty  or 
thirty  years,  had  passed  her  silent  Sabbaths,  except  when  a 
stranger  voice  sounded  the  Gospel  in  her  ear,  hail  with  de- 
light the  missionary  :  I  have  seen  her  drag  her  weak,  infirm, 
and  tottering  limbs,  o'er  miles  of  rugged  road,  to  the  place 
of  meeting:  I  have  seen  her  drink  with  avidity  every  word 
as  it  fell,  and  amid  her  tears  exclaim,  *  my  heart  is  satisfied.' 
Long  had  she  waited,  and  waited  in  vain ;  the  noise  of  riot 
oft  echoed  around  her  humble  dwelling,  but  not  the  sound 
of  the  assembling  congregation.  Sad  and  solitary  she  poured 
forth  her  prayer  :  She  wept  as  she  remembered  former  days, 
and  she  was  ready  to  say.  My  soul  thirstethfor  God, for  the 
living  God,  when  shall  1  come  and  appear  before  God  ?  at 


200  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

length  the  hour  arrived  :  and  how  great  was  her  comfort — 
how  great  her  delight ;  and  how  brightly  beamed  her  setting 
sun  as  it  left  this  world  to  shine  in  a  celestial  hemisphere  ! 

"  I  have  seen  the  eye  of  the  parent  sparkle  with  pleasure, 
as  he  beheld  his  children  grouped  around  to  catch  the  voice 
of  catechetical  instruction  :  I  have  heard  him  bless  the  day 
that  then  shone  upon  his  habitation  :  1  have  seen  him  weep 
as  he  grasped  the  hand  of  a  returning  prodigal :  I  have  seen 
him  resume  the  vigour  and  the  activity  of  youth  at  the  pros- 
pect around  him.  Long  had  he  stood  as  a  sentinel  amid 
ruins,  and,  as  they  slowly  mouldered  beneath  the  touch  of 
time,  he  had  mingled  his  tears  with  their  ashes  ;  the  banner 
of  his  cause  was  trodden  under  foot,  but  still  his  gi-ay  locks 
floated  above  it,  and  his  withering  hand  was  stretched  forth 
to  its  rescue  ;  his  children  were  wandering  abroad  ; — and 
when,  at  length,  the  clarion  of  revival  was  sounded,  and  his 
sons  and  his  daughters  were  gathered  in,  I  have  heard  him 
give  them  his  parting  blessing,  amid  songs  of  gratitude  to 
a  God  of  love. 

"  As  the  shepherd  foldeth  his  flock  in  the  forest,  or  the 
hen  gathereth  her  chickens  from  the  foe,  so  have  I  known 
the  father  to  hover  around  his  little  ones  in  the  moral  waste  ; 
all  the  while  anxious,  lest  the  blast  should  seize  them,  and 
all  the  while  praying  for  the  feet  of  him  that  hringeth  good 
tidings  :  the  old  man  died  and  saw  not  the  missionary,  but 
the  missionary  came,  and  the  children  surrounded  him,  and 
they  are  now  pillars  in  the  temple  of  the  Lord. 

"  Blessed  be  God  !  I  have  seen  the  desert  blossom :  I  have 
seen  a  band  of  spiritual  soldiers  arise,  like  new-born  bodies 
from  the  tomb  of  death; — and  my  brethren  too  have  seen, 
and  they  could  testify :  they  have  known  and  they  could 
tell : — but  enough.  You  will  help  us ;  you  will  consecrate 
of  your  ability  to  the  sending  forth  of  our  missionaries ;  to 
the  spreading  a  table  for  the  wanderers  in  the  wilderness  : 
you  will  enrol  yourselves  and  your  children  among  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  201 

m-ens'beTS  of  our  society ;  you  will  come  to  the  help  of  the 
Lord  against  the  mighty;  you  will  contend  with  us  against 
priHcipaliiies,  against  powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  dark- 
ness of  Ikls  world,  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high 
l^laces. 

**  And  see !!  the  Captain  of  the  host  of  heaven  himself  de- 
sceiads  to  be  our  leader  \  He  stands  in  the  centre  of  our 
tarth,  and,  by  his  assuring  presence,  encourages  all  the 
exertions  of  his  followers: — from  His  beamisig  crown  flows 
that  flood  of  3ight  which  is  dissipating  the  cloads  of  heathen 
darkness;  at  his  foot  is  fastened  that  chain  which  limits 
the  ravages  of  Satan ;  army  above  army  wait  the  glittering 
ranks  of  cherubim  and  seraphim.  It  is  the  same  Lord,  who, 
with  the  thunder  of  Omnipotence,  pursued  Satan  o'er  the 
battlements  of  Heaven,  what  time  the  rebel  sought  in  the 
bottomless  abyss  a  refuge  from  his  v/rath.  It  is  the  same 
Lord,  who,  oaee  in  Palestine,  offered  himself  a  sacrifice  on 
the  altar  of  Justice,  that  the  family  of  Adam  might  find 
access  to  the  path  of  salvation.  It  is  the  same  Lord,  who, 
rising  from  the  tomb,  where,  for  the  perfecting  of  his  saints, 
he  for  a  season  had  reposed,  led  captivity  captive,  and  re- 
reived  gifts  for  men. 

"  Coram unicaots ! 

"  It  is  the  saane  Lord  whose  human  nature  was  wounded, 
was  broken,  was  bleeding,  for  your  transgressions.  It  is 
the  same  Lord  who  is  your  Advocate  ivith  the  Father: 
through  whom  you  have  access  to  a  throne  of  grace. 

*'  Friends  of  morality  I 

"  It  is  He  who  is  the  only  snecessful  teacher  of  morals. 
It  is  He  before  whose  banner  alone  will  the  torrent  of  cor- 
ruption roll  back  upon  its  source.  It  is  He  from  whom 
alone  can  spring  the  principle  and  the  practice  of  holiness. 

"  Patriots! 
"  It  is  He  who  alone  exalteth  a  nation  : — He  who  alone 
can  make  firm  its  foundation,  and  clothe  with  happiness  its 

s2 


202  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

superstructure.  It  is  He  who  alone  can  say  to  the  waves  of 
revolution,  Peace,  be  still :  to  the  ravages  of  time,  thus  far, 
and  no  farther. 

"  Mortals  ! 

"  It  is  He  who  alone  can  clothe  your  dying  bodies 
with  unfading  beauty :  He  who  alone  can  dispense  to  your 
immortal  souls  a  name  and  a  place  among  the  sons  of  God. 

"  He  stands,  and  earth  owns  his  presence,  for  her  wars 
are  hushed.  He  stands,  and  the  moral  world  blooms,  and 
flourishes,  and  teems  with  life  ;  and  the  chronicle  of  passing 
years  is  radiant  with  events  that  cause  joy  a7nong  the  angels 
of  God.  The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  the  isles  bring  p7'€- 
sents.  The  kings  of  Sheba  and  Seba  ojfer  gifts.  Prepare 
ye  the  way  of  the  Lord  !  make  strait  in  the  desert  a  highicay 
for  our  God  !  is  beginning  to  be  heard  from  one  end  of  the 
globe  to  the  other ;  the  sound  floats  on  the  banks  of  the 
Gambia,  and  mingles  its  accents  with  the  murmur  of  the 
Ganges;  the  Hottentot  hears  it  and  abandons  his  idol; — 
the  Brahmin  hears  it  and  throws  away  his  cast ; — it  lingers 
around  the  synagogue  of  the  Jew,  and  echoes  throughout 
the  sanctuary  of  the  Gentile  ;  it  makes  vocal  the  long  night 
of  the  Esquimaux,  and  wakes  into  song  the  islands  of  the 
sea :  China  hears  it  and  starts  from  her  slumbers  : — Ethiopia 
hears  it  and  stretches  forth  her  hands :  Christendom  hears 
it  and  summons  all  her  energies.  We  have  heard  it,  and 
come  to  you  this  day,  to  ask  of  the  widow  her  mite,  and  of 
the  rich  man  his  abundance,  that  we  may  send  forth  the 
warning,  through  all  our  valleys,  and  over  all  our  moun- 
tains, to  put  on  the  wedding  garment,  and  be  ready  for  the 
coming  of  the  Lord. 

"  Come  forward,  ye  contributors  to  the  treasury  of  Jesus, 
and  may  the  memorial  of  what  ye  are  about  to  bestow,  be 
found  in  that  day  when  it  shall  be  said — Inasmuch  as  ye 
have  done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren  ye  have 
done  it  unto  Tne." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  203 

My  brother  and  his  co-workers  in  the  Valley,  were  led  to 
adopt  another  plan  for  the  revival  of  the  Church  in  their 
region.  From  the  view  of  the  immense  field  which  the 
Diocess  of  Virginia  presented  for  the  labours  of  one  Bishop, 
and  the  additional  consideration  of  the  parochial  charge 
with  which  their  present  beloved  Diocesan  was  necessarily 
burthened,  also  his  increasing  age  and  infirmities,  induced 
them  to  propose  a  division  of  the  Diocess. 

A  meeting  was  held  on  the  4th  and  5th  of  January,  1820, 
in  Winchester,  to  take  the  subject  into  consideration.  At 
this  meeting,  the  Rev.  Enoch  M.  Lowe,  Edward  Colston, 
Esq.,  and  Robert  Page,  Esq.,  were  appointed  a  Committee 
to  correspond  with  the  Bishop  and  Standing  Committee, 
on  the  proposed  division  of  the  Diocess. 

The  answers  received  from  the  Bishop,  and  Standing 
Committee,  were  decidedly  opposed  to  the  contemplated 
division. 

On  the  21st  and  22d  of  March,  another  meeting  was 
held  in  Winchester,  and  the  above  answers  were  com- 
mitted to  a  Committee  composed  of  Rev.  Wm.  Meade,  Rev. 
E-  M.  I-ipwe,  Rev.  B.  Allen,  Philip  Nelson,  and  Strother 
Jones,  Esqrs. 

This  Committee  proposed  that  the  contemplated  division 
be  abandoned,  and  that  a  letter  be  written  to  the  Bishop  and 
Standing  Committee,  announcing  this  conclusion  : — Their 
Report  was  unanimously  received,  and  the  same  Committee 
appointed  to  make  the  proposed  communications. 

One  of  the  members  of  the  Standing  Committee  wrote 
afterwards  to  my  brother — 

"  Alexandria,  April  6th,  1820. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother : — We  are  very  well  pleased  in 

this  quarter,  with  the  magnanimity  with  which  you  have 

relinquished  your  scheme  of  cutting  us  off  from  that  friendly 

union  which  has  so  long  bound  us   together.     The  only 


204  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

aminde  honorable  that  we  shall  now  be  willing  to  accept 
as  an  expiation  of  your  offence  is,  that  you  love  us  here- 
after the  better,  in  proportion  to  the  defalcation  you  have 
shown  forth. 

•'  We  are  looking  forward  with  great  anticipations  for  the 
assembling  of  our  brethren  in  Convention.  There  appears 
to  be  but  little  that  will  occupy  our  attention  in  that  capa- 
city :  but  we  may  at  least  provoke  one  another  to  love  and 
to  good  works.  Very  many  people  will  be  here,  expect- 
ing much  preaching.  May  the  Lord  crown  our  meeting 
with  his  presence  and  blessing. 

"  Praying  that  God  may  accompany  you  by  his  grace  and 
blessing,  I  remain  with  love  to  Mrs.  Allen, 

"  Your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

W.  H.  WILMER.'* 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


NOTICE  OF   FUNERAL  SERMONS PUBLISHES  HISTORY  OF  THE 

REFORMATION. 


A  NUMBER  of  the  funeral  sermons  preached  by  my  brother, 
during  1820,  were  published  at  the  request  of  the  bereaved. 

The  first  sermon  that  we  notice,  is  entitled,  "  Christ  the 
only  victory  over  Death."  It  was  preached  in  Charlestown, 
Virginia,  March  31st,  1820,  at  the  interment  of  Lieut. 
John  Packett,  of  the  United  States  Navy.  "  There  is  no 
man  hath  power  over  the  spirit  to  retain  the  spirit ;  neither 
hath  he  power  in  the  day  of  death  ;  and  there  is  no  dis- 
charge in  this  war.  Ecclesiastes,  8th  ch.  part  of  8th  verse." 

He  delivered  two  other  sermons  under  peculiarly  dis- 
tressing providences.  Two  infant  sons  of  Capt.  Thomas 
Hammond  having  eaten  freely  of  poke-root,  were  taken 
suddenly  ill,  and  though  every  medical  means  were  resorted 
to,  they  died ;  one  on  the  25th  March,  and  the  other  on 
the  3d  of  April. 

The  father,  a  man  of  peculiar  sensibility,  was  weighed 
down  with  grief.  He  survived  his  beloved  little  ones  only 
a  few  days;  for  on  Thursday,  the  18th  of  April,  he  was 
seized  with  an  apoplectic  fit,  he  fell  and  expired  imme- 
diately. 

His  first  text  was,  "  Is  there  no  balm  in  Gilead  ?  Is  there 
no  physician  there  ?     Jer.  viii.  22." 

The  second  was  from  Matthew  xxiv.  44.  "  Be  ye  also 
ready,  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of  Man 
cometh." 


206  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Relative  to  these  discourses,  one  of  his  brethren  writes 
to  him — 

"  Martinsbijrg,  July  11th,  1820. 
*'  My  Dear  Brother  : — I  received  a  copy  of  your  two  ser- 
mons preached  at  the  interments  of  the  late  Capt.  Ham- 
mond and  his  interesting  children  ;  and  for  which,  I  now 
thank  you.  You  may  remember  I  heard  one,  fresh  and 
glowing  from  your  lips ;  and  you  may  be  assured  the 
interest  I  have  taken  in  reading  it  in  print,  has  been  little, 
if  any  less  than  when  I  sat  under  the  sound  of  your  voice. 
May  they  prove  a  comfort  and  a  blessing  to  his  afflicted 
widow  and  orphaned  children. 

"  Juliana  desires  to  join  with  me  in  love  to  yourself  and 
Harriot.  Your  brother, 

ENOCH  M.  LOWE." 

My  brother  also  preached  a  funeral  sermon  at  the  inter- 
ment of  the  son  of  Obed  Waite,  Esq.,  of  Winchester.  He 
afterwards  applied  to  my  brother  for  a  copy  for  publication, 
offering,  himself,  to  defray  the  expense. 

Not  content  with  labours  more  abundant  than  his 
brethren,  my  brother  was  led  to  enter  upon  a  new  plan 
of  usefulness.  He  was  anxious  to  place  in  the  reach  of 
all,  an  important  compend  of  History,  and  to  excite  the 
gratitude  of  Christians  by  showing  the  difficulties  in  the 
path  of  those  in  former  days.  He  therefore  accomplished 
an  abridgment  of  Burnet's  History  of  the  Reformation 
of  the  Church  of  England.  An  edition  of  this  work, 
he  published  in  1820 — it  formed  a  volume  of  two  hundred 
and  ninety-seven  pages.  This  was  so  favourably  received, 
that  an  edition  of  fifteen  hundred  copies  was  soon  dis- 
persed abroad,  and  another  edition  was  called  for.  It  was 
reviewed  in  some  of  the  periodicals  of  the  day,  and  rec«ived 
their  warm  commendations.  They  consider  the  work  as 
one  long  required.  And  as  to  the  execution,  it  is  observed. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  207 

"  The  Reverend  author  appears  to  have  performed  his  labo- 
rious task  with  great  fidelity,  perspicuity  and  judgment. 
He  has  condensed  within  a  small  compass  a  great  mass  of 
information,  and  while  he  makes  the  reader  sufficiently 
acquainted  with  the  principal  actors  in  this  mighty  revolu- 
tion, he  does  not  omit  to  touch  very  frequently  on  the 
secret  springs  that  contributed  to  its  success.  Throughout 
the  whole  course  of  its  progress,  he  clearly  traces  the  finger 
of  God,  calling  the  attention  of  the  reader  to  the  secret 
workings  of  Providence,  in  controlling  the  opposition  of  the 
most  powerful,  and  confounding  the  wisdom  of  the  wisest. 
No  Protestant,  however  limited  his  education,  should  be 
ignorant  of  the  facts  contained  in  this  abridgment." 

The  Port  Folio  remarks — "  We  consider  Mr.  Allen's  a 
very  useful  and  interesting  book,  which  ought  to  be  gene- 
rally read.  We  are  pleased  to  hear  that  it  is  likely  soon  to 
arrive  at  a  second  edition." 

The  following  is  the  Preface  attached  to  the  Abridg- 
ment— 

"  A  traveller,  in  passing  along  an  interesting  cotmtry, 
and  beholding  pyramids  of  lofty  structure,  or  edifices  of 
mighty  arch,  would  feel  some  satisfaction  in  hearing  who 
were  their  founders,  and  reading  the  story  of  their  progress 
through  the  various  stages  of  their  Herculian  task,  to  the 
bringing  forth  of  the  top-stone.  Travellers  in  the  moral 
world,  who  behold  the  triumphal  arch  of  Protestantism,  and 
see  the  during  pillars  on  which  it  rests,  must  feel  a  holy 
curiosity  concerning  the  original  builders,  their  toils,  their 
trials,  their  perseverance,  and  their  death :  and  if,  as  is  the 
fact,  any  of  them  cemented  their  work  with  their  blood, 
great  must  be  the  interest  felt  in  their  history.  To  such 
travellers,  an  account  of  the  Reformers  of  the  Church  of 
England  cannot  fail  to  present  an  inviting  repast.  They 
were  so  calm,  enlightened,  and  steady,  in  the  pursuit  of 
their  object ;  they  manifested  so  much  of  the  wisdom  of  the 


208  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

serpent,  combined  with  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove  ;  the 
result  of  their  labours  was  so  important;  their  sufferings 
were  so  great;  and  their  martyrdoms  so  violent,  that  we 
cannot  contemplate  them  without  both  profit  and  pleasure. 
Who  that  lives  in  this  latter  day,  but  must  read  with  sur- 
prise, of  times  when  men  where  sent  to  the  stake  for  teach- 
ing the  Creed,  the  Lord's  Prayer  and  the  Ten  Command- 
ments to  their  children :  And  who  that  thus  reads,  but 
must  feel  a  lively  gratitude  to  God  for  the  rich  privileges 
which  now  beam  upon  his  path  ?  Who  that  sees  the  bright 
day  of  the  Gospel  beginning  to  embrace  the  earth,  but  must 
hear  with  astonishment,  of  times  when  a  warrant  from  the 
throne  was  necessary,  before  a  single  cottager  could  read 
his  Bible ;  and  who  that  thus  knows,  but  must  call  on  his 
soul,  and  all  within  him,  to  bless  the  name  of  that  God, 
whose  voice,  through  the  medium  of  the  Bible  Society,  is 
sounding  over  all  the  habitations  of  man,  those  words  of 
ancient  date,  '  Let  there  be  light,'  nor  sounding  them  in 
vain,  since,  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the  going  down 
of  the  same,  we  may  already  say,  there  is  light?  Who  that 
loves  the  doctrine  and  order  of  tlie  Church,  but  must 
behold  with  pleasure  that  doctrine,  and  that  order,  rising 
from  the  rubbish  of  Roman  superstition,  in  which,  for  cen- 
turies it  lay  buried,  and  asserting  to  the  world  its  pure  and 
primitive  character?  And  who  that  delights  in  moral  gran- 
deur, such  as  that  which  shone  in  apostolic  days,  when 
ancient  became  the  prototype  of  modern  Rome,  and 
heathen  emperors  the  forerunner  of  Christian  Popes,  but 
must  be  gratified  in  approaching  the  fires  of  Smithfield, 
and  witnessing  the  triumphant  constancy  of  a  host  of 
martyrs  ? 

"All  these  views,  interesting  as  they  are,  have  hitherto 
been  locked  up  from  the  people  of  this  country  in  two 
alarming  folios,  found  in  the  libraries  of  very  few.  The 
object  of  this  work  is  to  present  the  cream  of  those  folios 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  209 

in  short  and  comprehensive  details,  embracing  every  thing 
in  them  of  importance  connected  with  religion.  The  style 
has,  generally,  been  changed.  Occasionally  the  language 
of  the  original  has  been  preserved,  and  always,  perfect 
faithfulness  to  its  ideas  has  been  aimed  at. 

"  For  greater  convenience,  the  work  has  been  divided 
into  chapters.  Introductory  remarks  have  been  added  to 
each  chapter,  for  which  the  author  of  this  abridgment  is, 
alone,  accountable. 

"  May  the  Spirit  of  the  Most  High  reform  the  world,  and 
bring  the  various  members  of  the  Catholic,  or  Universal 
Church,  to  see  eye  to  eye,  until  they  become  one  fold  in 
name,  as  well  as  in  fact,  and  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord 
shall  cover  the  earth  as  the  waters  the  face  of  the  great 
deep." 

"  Charlestown,  Jefferson  County,  Va.,  October,  1820." 

We  present  a  few  extracts  from  the  body  of  the  work — 

"  Could  the  depravity  of  man  invade  the  Heaven  of 
Heavens,  it  would  darken  the  splendors  of  that  bright 
abode.  Whatever  it  touches,  it  contaminates.  The  Gos- 
pel came  from  the  hand  of  its  Author,  pure  as  the  bowers 
of  Eden,  but  man,  yielding  to  the  voice  of  the  tempter,  has 
ever  defiled  and  perverted  it ;  making  the  Messenger  of 
Mercy  a  shedder  of  blood — the  Angel  of  Purity  a  patron 
of  crime.  The  Church  of  Rome  has  been  adorned  with  a 
Fenelon,  a  Pascal,  and  a  Massillon ;  she  has  now  in  her 
bosom  some  who  are  like  diamonds  amid  abounding  rub- 
bish ;  and  many,  we  hope,  have  passed  through  her  to  rest ; 
but  we  can  have  no  fellowship  with  her  abominations.  The 
work  of  reformation  advances,  and  we  rejoice  to  perceive 
it.  Who  that  has  wandered  amid  the  darkness  of  night, 
but  has  hailed  with  rapture  the  full-orbed   moon,   rising 


210  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

from  behind  the  cloud,"  "  and  pouring  its  reflected  radi- 
ance upon  the  gloomy  path." 

He  thus  speaks  of  one  of  the  Reformers — 

"  Cranmer  was  never  idle  ;  and  all  his  exertions  were 
devoted  to  forwarding  the  holy  cause.  He  did  not  despair, 
because  he  could  not  effect  every  thing,  neither  was  he  so 
rash  as  to  expect  all  at  once.  His  enemies  were  powerful; 
but  he  knew  there  was  One  mightier  than  they,  between  the 
Cherubim — and  in  that  One,  he  trusted." 

The  character  and  policy  of  Henry  VHI.,  and  the  grate- 
ful contrast  of  that  of  his  successor,  are,  in  few  words, 
happily  expressed — 

"  At  length,  the  long  and  eventful  reign  of  Henry  drew 
near  its  close.  His  arguments  and  his  quarrels  with 
Papists  and  with  Protestants,  approached  their  final  termi- 
nation. He  had  been  so  much  like  a  cloud  suspended 
between  too  islands,  and  discharging  its  fury  alternately  at 
each,  that  his  life  was  not  very  desirable  to  any.  In  1547, 
he  died.  He  was  undoubtedly  a  man  of  strong  mind, 
richly  endowed,  but  his  passions  were  indiscriminate  as 
tigers  ;  they  devoured  whatever  came  in  their  way.  He 
might  have  been  as  a  fertilizing  river  to  the  whole  land, 
but  he  was  rather  a  capricious  torrent,  tearing  away  bud- 
ding fields  and  blooming  gardens,  as  well  as  thorny  rub- 
bish and  useless  rocks.  Instead  of  a  positive,  he  was  a 
negative  blessing,  and  it  was  only  by  the  Most  High  over- 
ruling his  iniquities,  that  he  became  the  first  royal  pro- 
moter of  reformation  in  England." 

"  From  Henry's  tomb,  there  sprung  forth  a  vine,  which, 
though  tender  in  age,  was  beautiful  in  promise,  and  rich  in 
fruit  as  the  clusters  of  Eshcol.  The  hills  were  covered 
with  the  shadow  of  it,  and  the  boughs  thereof  were  like  the 
goodly  cedars.  It  passed  away,  but  its  memorial  lived, 
fresh  to  the  view  of  each  succeeding  generation,  and  fra- 
grant even  now,  as  the  odours  of  sweet  incense. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  211 

"Edward,  the  Josiah  of  England,  succeeded  his  father. 
He  was  only  nine  years  old  when  he  began  to  reign,  and, 
by  the  will  of  his  father,  was  placed  under  the  care  of  six- 
teen counsellors,  who  were  to  govern  the  kingdom  until  the 
completion  of  his  eighteenth  year.  Of  these  counsellors, 
Cranmer  was,  blessed  be  God,  chief  in  influence." 

"  A  corrupted  church  is  like  a  field  overrun  with  tares, 
and  thorns,  and  ivy,  interweaving  with  rank  luxuriance,  and 
mocking  the  hopes  of  the  husbandman.  The  cares  of  this 
world,  and  the  deceitfulness  of  riches,  and  the  lusts  of  other 
things,  easily  choke  the  word,  and  render  it  unfruitful." 

In  speaking  of  the  influence  of  peculiar  sorrows  on  the 
bosoms  of  fellow  sufferers  he  says,-;—"  Times  of  trial  create 
a  kindly  feeling  among  all  who  are  surrounded  by  the  same 
cloud  of  affliction,  and  tie,  in  the  knot  of  concord,  hearts, 
that  by  nature  seem  to  be  separated.  They  annihilate  the 
distinctions  of  clime,  and  colour,  and  kindred,  and  throw 
into  one  temple  of  union,  the  learned  and  the  ignorant,  the 
rich  and  the  poor,  the  high  and  the  low — all  the  discordant 
opposites  of  which  society  is  capable,  melting  away  jars  at 
the  altar  of  devotion  ;  consuming  differences  in  the  censer 
of  love. 

"  Hence  we  see  the  reformers  of  the  island  and  the  con- 
tinent, of  Germany,  Geneva,  and  Britain,  forming  one 
counsel  of  advice,  and  bringing  their  wedded  energies  to 
bear  on  the  improvement  and  prosperity  of  the  Church  of 
England : — Cranmer,  and  Calvin,  and  Luther,  approaching 
nearer  in  their  views  of  many  principles,  than  some  of 
their  followers  have  been  willing  to  acknowledge." 

After  describing  the  scenes  of  persecution,  he  endea- 
vours to  apply  the  subject  to  practical  purposes. — "  We 
would  fain  pause  amid  this  recital,  and  contemplate  for  a 
moment  the  desperately  wicked  character  of  the  human 
heart ;  how  entirely  resigned  to  selfishness,  and  how  utterly 


212  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

dead  to  all  that  is  holy,  except  so  far  as  influenced  by  the 
Spirit  of  God.  We  have  adverted  to  this  repeatedly  before, 
but  it  is  useful  to  revolve  the  reflection  again  and  again,  as 
it  may  fasten  upon  our  souls  a  deep  sense  of  the  importance 
of  our  securing  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost." — "  We 
should  inquire — were  not  these  Papists  from  the  same 
stock  vi'ith  us  ?  inheritors  of  the  same  nature  ?  united  to 
the  same  fallen  Adam  1  Have  we  not  in  ourselves  the  seeds 
of  every  evil  passion?  and  though  our  constitutions  are  cast 
in  somewhat  different  moulds,  and  our  sympathies  are 
diverse  fn  degree,  would  not  these  seeds,  if  unchecked, 
spring  up  to  the  perpetration  of  every  variety  of  sin  ?  Surely 
then,  it  becomes  us,  while  we  are  weeping  for  others,  to 
weep  also  for  ourselves.  Surely  it  becomes  us,  while  we 
are  wondering  at  the  depravity  of  human  nature,  to  call  to 
mind  the  fact,  that  we  are  partakers  of  the  same  human 
nature ;  and  to  ask  our  consciences  the  question,  each  and 
every  one  of  us — Have  I  been  born  again  ?  Am  I  a  new 
creature  ?  Have  old  things  passed  away,  and  all  things  be- 
come new  in  me  ?  If  this  question  cannot  be  answered  in 
the  affirmative,  we  are  not  fit  for  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  ; 
so  says  He  Avho  has  the  key  of  that  kingdom — the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ." 

Respecting  a  second  edition  of  this  work,  my  brother 

writes  to  me — 

"June  5th,  1821. 

"  A  second  edition  of  my  book  appears  to  be  wanted, 
but  I  must  proceed  with  caution.  Collections  for  the  first 
are  slow,  and  have  not  yet  covered  the  expense,  though 
nearly  all  the  copies  are  distributed.  However,  prospec- 
tuses for  another  edition  are  circulating,  in  places  where 
none  of  the  first  have  gone,  and  by  them,  in  some  measure, 
shall  I  be  governed.  Should  it  enable  me  to  pay  what  I 
owe,  I  should  be  thankful. 

»  Affectionately  your's,  B.  ALLEN." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

PREACHING     TOUR    TO     CONVENTION FILIAL     AFFECTION 

CALL  TO  ST.  Paul's  church,  Philadelphia — ins  remo- 
val  MOTIVES his  standing. 

Though  my  brother's  efforts  of  body  and  mind  were  truly 
excessive,  yet  his  health  was  delicate  ;  in  fact,  this  effort 
was  one  prominent  means  of  bringing  his  system  more  and 
more  under  the  influence  of  disease.  It  was  seldom  I 
knew  of  his  indispositions  at  the  time,  or  their  extent.  It 
appeared  that  he  studiously  kept  these  things  from  me. 
He  no  doubt  was  seriously  affected,  when,  on  his  recovery, 
he  gives  me  the  following  hint —  *'  July  18th,  1820. 
"  Dear  Thomas  : — I  am  not  very  well,  but  getting  better." 

The  work  was  still  prospering  within  the  range  of  his 
labours.  In  his  parochial  report  to  the  Convention  of  1820, 
he  states — 

"  Parish  of  St.  Andrew's.  There  has  been  an  increase 
of  communicants.  Sixty  of  those  formerly  registered  in 
this  Parish,  have  been  formed  into  a  church  in  Maryland. 
The  present  number  of  communicants  are  one  hundred  and 
fifty — baptisms  seventy-five — marriages  nine — burials  nine. 
The  Cliurch  in  Shepherdstown  has  been  increased  in  capa- 
city.    Contribution  to  Episcopal  fund,  fifty  dollars." 

His  ministrations  in  Sharpsburg,  Maryland,  resulted  in 
the  regular  organization  of  a  Church,  as  appears  from  the 
above  report,  in  connexion  with  the  report  of  that  Church 
to  the  Maryland  Convention.  On  the  journal,  we  meet 
with  the  following  notice.    "  St.  Paul's  Church,  Sharpsburg ; 

t2 


214  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Benjamin  Allen,  of  Virginia,  Rector,  from  7th  of  February, 
to  the  28th  of  May.  Communicants  sixty — baptisms  four- 
teen— marriage  one — funerals  two." — A  new  stone  building 
was  also  erected  in  that  place. 

Sharpsburg  and  its  vicinity  was  not  the  extent  of  his 
efforts  in  Maryland.  We  also  find  him  attending,  as  a  cler- 
gyman, the  execution  of  a  criminal  in  Hagerstown,  as 
appears  from  the  following — 

"  Martinsbueg,  March  2d,  1820." 
"Brother  Allen  : — 1  heard  of  your  being  at  Hagerstown, 
and  was  much  gratified  to  learn,  that,  through  the  grace  and 
strength  of  our  Master,  you  were  enabled  to  address  the 
throng  with  so  much  effect.  If  men  will  not  yield,  when 
pointed  to  so  affecting  an  example  of  folly  and  madness — 
if,  when  they  already  see,  as  it  were,  the  soul  on  its  passage 
from  time  to  eternity,  they  will  not  lay  down  the  weapons 
of  their  rebellion  against  God,  and  acknowledge  Christ  as 
their  Saviour,  King,  O  what  will  affect  them  ?  I  have  no 
doubt  thousands,  notwithstanding  all  that  was  said  and 
done,  left  that  tremendous  scene  more  hardened  in  vice 
than  ever.  This,  I  believe,  to  be  the  necessary  conse- 
quence of  capital  executions.  By  exhibitions  like  these, 
our  sensibilities  become  blunted,  and  our  horror  of  crime 
diminished,  by  being  made  familiar  with  death,  in  its  most 
terrible  appearances.  And  besides  all  this,  capital  punish- 
ments are  diametrically  opposed  to  the  Spirit  of  the  Gospel. 
May  we  not  hope,  my  brother,  that  the  time  is  not  far  dis- 
tant, when,  in  a  milder  system,  not  only  will  punishment 
be  more  commensurated  to  crime,  but  the  spirit  of  that 
religion — that  holy,  blessed,  and  glorious  religion  which 
we  teach,  will  be  more  felt,  and  respected,  and  acknow- 
ledged? But  I  am  writing  an  essay." 

"Your  brother  and  friend, 

"ENOCH  M.  LOWE." 

To  a  young  man,  a  cousin  of  ours,  who  was  looking  for- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  215 

ward  to  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel,  my  brother  proffered 
his  assistance,  as  appears  by  the  acknowledgments  of 
that  cousin,  January  6th,  1821.  Also  my  brother  wrote  to 
me,  January  8th. — "  Cousin  D.  C.  A.  is  pious,  and  thinks 
of  studying  Divinity  ! — I  wrote  to  him  ;  you  had  better 
write.  I  have  made  D.  an  offer  of  aid  through  the  distri- 
bution of  my  work." 

Again,  February  13th,  he  observes — "I  have  resolved 
to  give  Cousin  D.,  who  is  just  going  to  study  Divinity  with- 
out funds,  fifty  copies.  May  the  Lord  bless  us  all,  as  we 
severally  need." 

His  second  daughter  was  born  February  12th,  1821.  At 
the  particular  request  of  a  tried  friend,  she  was  named 
Mary  Ann  Christian  Abigal. 

Respecting  her,  he  observes —  February  13th. 

"  May  he  who  feeds  the  sparrow  supply  all  her  needs. 
Above  all,  may  he  sanctify  her  as  His  own  daughter,  and 
make  her  a  temple  of  his  Holy  Spirit. 

"I  should  be  glad  to  have  you  baptize  the  child,  if  you 
CQuld  be  here  in  appropriate  time;  she  must  go  to  Church." 

In  1821,  the  Convention  of  the  Church  was  held  in  Nor- 
folk. My  brother,  and  some  of  his  brethren,  in  their  way 
to  this  place,  passed  over  much  missionary  ground,  preach- 
ing the  Gospel  in  various  places.  In  his  letters  to  his  wife, 
he  has  left  us  quite  a  journal  of  his  journey.  His  first  letter 
is  dated — 

"  Fredericksburg,  Saturday  morning,  > 
May  5th,  1821.      \ 

"  My  Dear  Harriot : — We  arrived  safe  here  yesterday 
afternoon,  after  a  pleasant  journey.  The  evening  we  left 
you  we  got  to  Mr.  Meade's  in  pretty  good  season,  though 
we  were  wet  a  little  by  the  rain.  The  next  day  we  travelled 
on  to  Fauquier  Court-House,  and  preached  there  two  days. 
Our  old  friend  Captain  E — ,  formerly  of  Martinsburg, 


216  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

was  there  with  us,  and  is  now  a  true  Christian.  Yesterday 
morning  we  left  Fauquier  Court-House  early,  and  got  here 
by  half  past  three.  To-day  we  are  to  preach  here,  and  also 
to-morrow.  I  never  was  better.  Our  mode  of  travelling 
is  most  agreeable  and  beneficial." 

"  A  new  edition  of  my  book  is  to  be  published,  and  this 
journey  promises  much  good  in  that  respect.  But  the 
greatest  of  all  is  the  privilege  of  preaching  the  Gospel  of 
our  blessed  Saviour.  We  have  large  and  attentive  congre- 
gations :" — "  We  expect  to  leave  here  on  Monday  morning, 
and  go  to  Hanover  county,  and  thence  to  Williamsburg. 
Mr.  Meade  talks  of  going  to  Gloucester,  only  a  few  miles 
from  there,  and  for  the  sake  of  our  friends  at  B.,  I  may  just 
step  over  with  him." 

"  Williamsburg  is  the  seat  of  the  old  College,  and  there  I 
expect  to  spend  a  day  or  two  pleasantly  and  advantageously. 

"  My  new  edition  of  the  book  will  probably  prove  more 
beneficial  than  the  former  did,  and  an  advantage  to  us  all. 
From  Williamsburg  I  expect  to  write  to  you  again.  Mr. 
Lippitt  stands  the  journey  very  well.  He  desires  to  be 
remembered.  If  we  had  hurried  on  without  taking  time, 
it  would  have  been  too  fatiguing.  May  the  best  blessings 
of  Almighty  God  descend  upon  you  all !  Tell  George  and 
Harriot,  they  must  be  good  and  get  their  lessons  well — I 
shall  not  forget  them.  Tell  John  to  be  a  good  boy.  Tell 
any  and  all  of  the  people  to  pray  for  themselves,  and  for 
me.  Tell  Mr.  Nash  and  McGuire  to  carry  on  the  prayer- 
meetings  and  church  services  well,  and  to  be  much  in  the 
spirit  of  prayer.     May  God  bless  you  all.    Ever  your's." 

His  next  is  addressed  from 

"  Williamsburg,  May  12th. 

"  My  Dear  Harriot : — My  last  letter  was  written  from 
Fredericksburg  last  Friday.  Saturday  and  Sunday  we 
spent  at  that  place  preaching  to  large  congregations.     On 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN'.  217 

Monday  we  rode  down  to  Hanover,  thirty-five  miles,  and 
there  spent  two  days  preaching  and  lecturing  to  a  very 
attentive  and  hospitable  people.  Thursday  morning  we  set 
out  for  this  place,  arrived  that  night  at  a  Col.  Macon's,  in 
New  Kent  County,  a  very  hospitable  family.  Mrs.  Macon 
has  been  much  in  New- York,  and  knew  my  old  friend 
Charles  Rudd.  Yesterday  we  rode  through  a  very  poor 
country.  Mrs.  Macon  having  furnished  us  with  some 
provisions,  we  stopped  at  a  spring  near  the  old  church 
Bishop  Madison  formerly  preached  in,  and  dined  ;  there 
being  no  house  where  it  was  thought  we  could  procure  a 
good  dinner.  We  ate  with  good  appetites,  a  hearty  meal. 
We  had  three  Mr.  Nelsons  and  Mr.  Meade  with  us. 

"The  church  is  going  to  ruin.  Mr.  Lippitt's  horse 
having  given  out,  we  were  obliged  to  leave  him  at  Col. 
Macon's,  and  Mr.  L.  came  part  of  the  way  in  the  stage. 
Last  night  we  arrived  here — my  horse  in  fine  order,  and 
as  to  myself,  I  am  perfectly  well. 

"  The  old  church  here  is  very  ancient,  one  hundred 
years  of  age.  It  has  an  old  organ,  out  of  order.  The  house 
is^  in  pretty  good  repair.  Mr.  Meade  preached  in  it  this 
morning.  I  preached  last  night.  This  town  is  not  large, 
but  quite  pleasant;  the  college  is  old,  and  so  are  many 
other  buildings.  It  is  the  ruin  of  ancient  grandeur.  I 
intend  going  through  the  college  and  looking  at  the  monu- 
ments in  the  church-yard,  some  of  which  are  very  old  and 
very  elegant." 

"  We  spend  to-morrow  here,  and  also  the  next  day,  and 
get  to  Norfolk  probably  Wednesday  night ;  from  there  I 
expect  to  write  you  again.  And  now,  my  dear  H.,  I  hope 
the  blessing  of  Almighty  God  has  kept  you  and  our  dear 
children,  and  will  continue  to  keep  them.  May  the  Holy 
Ghost  sanctify  you  all,  and  prepare  you  all  to  be  children 
of  God  in  Heaven.  Give  my  love  to  my  friends,  and  tell 
them  they  must  not  forget  to  pray  for  their  minister- 


218  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  We  have  been  favoured  with  good  vsreather  and  hospi- 
table friends,  and  have  good  prospects  still.  Oh  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  may  bless  all  our  labours. 

"  We  are  within  thirty-five  miles  of  Norfolk. 
"  Truly  your's." 

He  again  writes — 

"  Norfolk,  Thursday  morning,  May  17th. 

"  My  Dear  Harriot : — I  wrote  you  from  Williamsburg 
a  few  days  since,  and  as  it  is  your  wish,  and  affords  me 
pleasure,  I  write  again.  We  remained  in  Williamsburg, 
preaching  Saturday,  Sunday,  and  Monday.  I  visited  the 
old  college  ;  it  is  a  respectable  looking  building,  with  a  fine 
lawn  before  it,  in  the  midst  of  which  is  a  statue  of  Lord 
Botetaunt,  Norborne  Berkeley.  In  the  college  is  a  con- 
siderable library  of  valuable  old  books.  We  were  invited 
to  attend  the  President's  lecture  on  Moral  Philosophy.  He 
is  a  smart  man.  During  all  our  stay  in  Williamsburg,  we 
were  treated  with  great  kindness  and  hospitality.  I  went 
to  the  mad-house,  and  saw  L.  H. — poor  girl,  she  knew  me, 
but  she  is  no  better.     There  are  near  forty  subjects." 

"  On  Tuesday  morning,  we  set  out  for  York.  That  is  a 
small  village,  fast  going  to  ruin.  It  reminded  me  of  the 
wreck  of  an  old  ship.  Some  remains  of  the  old  fortifica- 
tions are  to  be  seen." 

"  We  staid  in  York  at  the  house  of  a  sister-in-law  of  Mr. 
Nelson's,  and  were  very  kindly  treated.  Mr.  Meade  and 
myself  preached  in  the  court-house  to  a  considerable  con- 
gregation. Yesterday  morning  we  rode  to  Hampton,  and 
in  the  afternoon  had  a  very  pleasant  sail  across  to  Norfolk, 
arriving  here  at  about  half-past  five.  I  do  not  regret  the 
long  time  I  have  taken  to  get  here,  because  I  hope  our 
preaching  has  not  been  without  use  ,*  our  knowledge  of  the 
country,  and  our  acquaintance  are  much  increased,  and  I 
am  not  now  jaded  and  worn  down,  as  I  should  have  been  if 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  219 

I  had  rode  on  without  stopping.     My  horse  too  is  in  fine 
spirits.    Nor  is  this  all — but  I  can  say  more  when  we  meet. 

"  The  steamboat  from  Alexandria  must  have  had  a  terri- 
ble time  yesterday,  as  the  wind  blew  almost  a  hurricane. 

"  It  has  given  we  much  pain  to  be  absent  from  you  and 
our  dear  little  ones  so  long,  but  the  Lord  can  take  care  of 
and  bless  you,  as  well  without  me  as  with  me. 

"  Mr.  Lowe  and  family  are  very  well.  I  went  over  with 
him  and  preached  at  Portsmouth  last  night,  in  a  church 
just  repaired. 

"  A  large  body  of  a  Lutheran  congregation,  in  Carolina, 
are  said  to  be  just  entering  our  Church. 

"  I  am  placed  with  a  charming  old  lady,  who  tells  me  to 
write  to  you  that  I  am  with  '  plain  people'  who  are  '  mighty 
glad  to  have  me.' 

"  I  have  just  had  a  rose  brought  me.  I  picked  a  few 
strawberries  in  York. 

"  I  have  not  yet  seen  my  cousin. 

"  A  lady,  the  widow  of  the  late  Governor  of  Virginia, 
who  came  down  with  the  Bishop,  arrived  here  in  the  night, 
this  being  her  mother's  house. 

"  May  God  bless  us  all.     I  am  very  well. 

"  It  is  now  before  breakfast.  Kiss  my  dear  children, 
and  tell  them  to  kiss  you  for  me.  Tell  them  I  shall  not 
forget  them — nor  you.  May  the  Lord  sanctify  you  all.  My 
love  to  all  my  people. 

"  Sincerely,  your's,  B.  ALLEN." 

Relative  to  this  Convention,  he  writes  to  me — 

"  Charlestown,  June  5th. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — I  returned  from  Norfolk  last  week — 
all  well.  A  pleasant  and  profitable  Convention — estab- 
lished a  Theological  Seminary  at  Williamsburg." 

My  brother's  filial  aflfection  towards  our  only  surviving 
parent,  was  prominently  displayed.     When  he  first  heard 


220  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

of  a  most  painful  calamity  through  which  our  father  was 
passing,  he  thus  gives  vent  to  his  anxious  bosom. 

"  CharlestowxN,  July  6th,  1821. 

"  Dear  Aunt : — Your  letter  has  filled  me  with  sorrow, 
but  I  trust  I  hear  the  Saviour  saying,  '  Be  of  good  cheer,  it 
is  I,  be  not  afraid.'  May  the  Lord  sanctify  it  to  Thomas 
and  myself. 

"  And  now,  my  dear  aunt,  you  must  act  our  friend. 
Thomas,  perhaps,  may  go  on;  L  cannot.  In  the  event  of 
neither  of  us  being  able,  our  reliance  will  be  upon  you  to 
see  all  things  done  for  my  father  which  shall  seem  for  the 

best.     You  must  do  it  for  Christ's  sake." "  You  may 

think  I  ask  too  much  in  requesting  you  to  act  as  our  chief 
aid,  but  I  throw  myself  on  your  Christian  benevolence,  and 
on  your  tried  affection ;  and  I  do  it  without  a  fear." 

"  Please  write  and  let  me  know  whether  he  gets  any 
better.  If  he  gets  well  he  must  be  with  us.  No  doubt  Dr. 
T.  will  aid,  and  I  hope  rny  father  has  other  friends.  For  all 
expense,  let  them  look  to  his  children,  only  let  him  be  well 
taken  care  of.  God  bless  you,  and  your  mother,  and  uncle 
J.,  and  all  who  know  or  speak  of 

"  Your  afflicted  nephew,  B.  ALLEN." 

With  reference  to  the  same  affliction,  he  again  writes — 

"August  18th. 
"  Dear  Aunt ; — Your  letter  has  afforded  me  very  great 
satisfaction.  It  has  removed  a  load.  I  knew  not  but  you 
were  out  of  town,  and  such  was  my  anxiety,  that  I  wrote  to 
Mr.  S.  a  day  or  two  before  your's  arrived,  requesting 
information.  I  am  entirely  satisfied  with  the  arrangements 
of  yourself  and  my  friends,  and  wish  them  to  continue  as 
you  shall  see  best.  I  am  thankful  to  you  all  for  the  interest 
you  have  taken.  That  interest,  I  hope,  will  remain,  and 
may  God  reward  you.     Thomas  and  myself  will  meet  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  221 

expenses.     He  has  probably  by  this  time,  enclosed  you 
some  money. 

"  The  affliction  appears  the  greatest  we  ever  knew,  but  I 
know  it  is  sent  in  love,  and  I  pray  that  we  may  reap  a  large 
profit. 

"  May  the  Almighty  Healer  yet  extend  his  power  to  the 
soul  of  our  father." 

"  May  the  Lord  bless  Mr. for  his  attentions,  and 

cause   him  to   continue    not   weary  in  them." "  His, 

,  being  pious,  is  a  most  pleasing  circumstance.     Ask 

him  to  pray  for  and  converse  with  my  father."     "  May  the 
Lord  sanctify  us  all,  and  enable  us  so  to  pass  through  things 
temporal  that  we  may  not  miss  the  things  eternal,  prays 
"  Your's  sincerely,  B.  ALLEN. 

"All  well — four  fine  children — the  oldest  studying 
Latin — the  second  reading  her  Bible.  May  the  Lord  make 
them  his." 

July  6th,  he  also  wrote  to  myself — 

"  May  the  Lord  sanctify  the  affliction  to  us  both,  and 
have  mercy  upon  our  father.  I  know  not  how  to  view  this, 
but  as  an  evidence  of  the  love  of  God,  intended  to  quicken 
our  diligence  and  increase  our  fervour.  Oh  that  it  may  do 
thus !" 

For  many  years  my  brother  contributed  liberally  towards 
the  comfort  and  support  of  our  afflicted  parent. 

I  add  a  hw  testimonies  to  my  brother's  character  and 
usefulness. 

One  of  his  parishioners  writes  respecting  him — 

"  Dear  Sir  : — I  have  just  received  your  letter,  and  sin- 
cerely lament  that  our  system  is  not  better  calculated  to 
support  the  man  whose  zeal  has  been  so  tested,  that  even 
the  skeptic  might  be  convinced  of  the  purity  of  his  motives. 

u 


222  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

His  manly  exertions  in  the  cause  of  the  Church  of  Christ, 
speak  loudly  for  themselves. 
"February  23d,  1820." 

Another,  who  looked  to  him  as  the  instrument  of  good  to 
her  soul,  thus  writes  to  him — 

"  CuLPEPPEH,  June. 
"  Rev.  Sir  : — Having  formed  an  early  acquaintance  with 
you  while  in  Berkeley,  and  as  it  has  pleased  God  to  make 
you  the  happy  means  of  bringing  me  to  see  my  guilt  and 
danger,  and  also  pointing  to  me  the  remedy  in  one  of  your 
sermons,  I  wish  to  have  a  friendly  intercourse  with  you. 
I  am  now,  by  the  wise  dispensation  of  Providence,  removed 
to  Culpepper,  where  I  can  only  get  to  church  once  a  month, 
but  this  is  much  more  than  I  deserve,  and  ought  to  be  very 
thankful  for  it.  May  the  God  of  peace  bless  you,  and  pros- 
per your  labours,  is  the  sincere  prayer  of 

"Your  friend,  A.  P.  F." 

Another  lady,  under  a  similar  sense  of  obligation,  writes 

to  him — 

"April  13th,  1821. 

"  My  dear  M.  and  our  little  afflicted  servant,  both  being 
better,  (and  out  of  danger,  I  hope)  affords  me  a  little  leisure 
to  read.  On  opening  Practical  Devotion,  the  first  sentence 
which  caught  my  eye,  was  a  reflection  of  Bishop  Wilson ; 
'  A  very  small  page  will  serve  to  contain  the  number  of  our 
good  works,  when  large  volumes  will  not  contain  our  evil 
deeds ;'  which  sentence  has  caused  me  to  decline  read- 
ing any  more  at  present  and  write  to  you.  O  how  forcible 
and  how  applicable  to  unworthy  me.  My  birth-day  is  fast 
approaching,  which  will,  should  1  live  to  see  it,  make  me 
thirty -five  years  of  age.  What  an  immense  volume  of  evil 
deeds  does  it  contain  ;  and  O  what  a  small  scrap  would  the 
good  works  fill  !    Merciful  Father,  can  so  unworthy  a  crea- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  223 

ture,  who  has  spent  the  prime  of  her  days  in  rebelling  and 
sinning  against  thee,  approach  thee,  and  claim  thee  as 
Father,  and  petition  thee  to  call  her  child?  O!  how  unwill- 
ing to  come  to  Christ,  till  absolute  necessity  compels  us  ; 
and  O!  the  superlative  goodness  of  God  to  bestow  immor- 
tal felicity  and  happiness  upon  creatures  who  are  so  unwill- 
ing to  accept  of  it  in  his  way. 

"  My  gratitude,  my  dear  Sir,  my  beloved  Pastor,  to  you, 
can  never  be  expressed.  Your  skirts  are  clear  of  my  blood. 
You  have  acted  as  a  faithful  watchman  in  giving  me  the 
alarm,  and  showing  me  the  danger;  and  endeavoured \o 
discover  to  me  the  place  of  safety.  May  the  best  of  bless- 
ings attend  you  while  on  earth,  and  when  it  shall  please 
God  to  call  you,  may  you  reap  the  rich  reward  of  your  inde- 
fatigable labours,  and  enjoy,  in  full  abundance,  the  glories 
you  have  so  delightfully  and  affectionately  laid  before  me. 
This  is  the  sincere  prayer  of 

«  Your  unalterable  friend,  N.  N.  H." 

The  following  are  from  his  clerical  brethren — 

"Alexandria,  June  15th,  1820. 

"  Rer.  and  Dear  Friend  : — I  beg  you  to  believe  me  sin- 
cere, when  I  assure  you  of  my  warm  personal  affection  for 
you,  and  of  the  sense  I  entertain  of  your  zeal  and  useful- 
ness in  the  cause  of  our  common  Lord. 

"  Your  affectionate  brother,       WM.  H.  WILMER." 

"Staunton,  January  30th,  1821. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother : — I  very  much  approve  of  your 
plan  of  abridging  Bishop  Burnet's  History,  and  have  sent 
you  ten  dollars  on  my  own  account,  for  which  you  will 
send  me  eleven  or  twelve  copies  if  you  can. 

"  I  am  so  taken  up  in  my  Academy  and  Church  together, 
that  I  have  no  time  hardly  for  any  thing  else ;  but  I  rejoice 


224  MEMOIR  OF   THE 

that  some  of  my  clerical  brethren  are  more  active,  among 
whom  you  hold  a  rank  among  the  foremost. 
"  Your  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

DANIEL  STEPHENS." 

"Winchester,  March  5th,  1821. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Friend  : — You  have  great  reason  to  bless 
God  for  the  disposition  he  has  given  you,  to  exert  all  the 
povi'^ers  and  faculties  of  your  soul  and  body  in  his  service 
who  is  the  best  of  masters.  As  for  me,  my  active  days 
are  over.  Infirmities  grow  fast  upon  me  ;  and  O !  how 
much  do  I   need   his  grace    to   enable   me    to  bear   the 

weight  of  declining  years   with   patience." 

"  Though  absent  in  body,  I  am  present  in  spirit  with  your 
association,  and  I  pray  that  the  Great  Master  of  assemblies 
may  preside  over  your  consultations,  causing  many  a  soul 
to  rejoice  in  consequence  of  your  meeting.  I  hope  that 
you  will  remember  your  aged,  though  unworthy  brother, 
before  the  Throne  of  Grace. 

"  I  congratulate  you  on  the  birth  of  another  daughter. 

"  Believe  me  to  be  your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

ALEX'R.  BALMAIN." 

My  brother  met  with  me  at  the  Convention  which  was 
held  in  Baltimore,  May  20th,  1821.  Towards  the  close  of 
the  Convention,  he  left  Baltimore  and  went  on  to  Philadel- 
phia, having  had  his  attention  directed  to  St.  Paul's  Church 
in  that  city.  From  the  age  and  infirmities  of  Dr.  Pilmore, 
the  labours  of  another  clergyman  were  required. 

My  brother  took  with  him  a  letter  of  introduction  from  a 
brother  clergyman,  which  is  too  grateful  to  be  withheld. 

"  Baltimore,  June  21,  1821. 
"  Dear  Madam : — Permit  me  to  introduce  to   you,  the 
Rev.  B.  Allen,  from  Virginia.     He  is  a  dear  brother  in 
Christ,  with  whom,  I  have  no  doubt,  you  will  be  much 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  225 

pleased ;  and  any  attentions  you  may  show  him,  will  be 
gratefully  acknowledged  by 

"  Your  friend  and  brother  in  the  Lord, 

J.  P.  K.  HENSHAW." 

He  continued  in  Philadelphia  in  a  laborious  course  of 
preaching  and  visiting  in  the  Church  and  among  the  peo- 
ple for  eight  or  ten  days.  His  labours  were  well  received, 
and  the  eyes  of  many  of  the  congregation  were  looking  to 
him  as  their  Pastor. 

In  a  letter  to  his  wife  he  observes — 

"  Philadelphia,  June  25th,  1821. 

"  My  Dear  H. : — I  preached  three  times  yesterday,  and 
lectured  two  Sunday-schools,  and  I  have  engaged  to  preach 
again  to  night  and  Wednesday  night.  The  people  of  St. 
Paul's  seem  hardly  willing  to  let  me  off  from  preaching  to 
them  constantly.  They  are  extremely  attentive,  and  say 
much.  They  are  a  pious,  kind  people,  and  very  numerous." 
"  Hard  work  in  Philadelphia  agrees  with  me  well.  Yester- 
day's labour  has  left  me  as  smart  and  healthy  as  ever. 
May  the  Lord  bless  you,  my  love,  and  our  dear  children. 

"  My  book  promises  to  have  much  circulation  here. 
It  will  be  reviewed  in  the  Port  Folio,  &c. 

"  You  will  see  me  sooner  than  you  suppose ;  in  a  very 
short  time  after  you  get  this.  May  the  Lord  do  as  seemeth 
to  him  good,  and  order  all  things  well.        B.  ALLEN." 

On  his  return  home,  he  wrote  to  a  friend  in  Philadel- 
phia— 

*'  Charlestown,  Jefferson  County,  Va. 
July  5th,  1821. 

•'  Dear  Sister : — Your  injunction  not  to  delay  writing,  I 
am,  as  you  perceive,  speedy  in  obeying,  and  I  am  so  with 
the  more  cheerfulness,  because,  where  there  is  a  commu- 
nion of  spirit,  there  ought  to  be  an  interchange  of  thought. 


226  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

The  day  I  left  you,  it  was  my  intention  to  spend  twenty- 
four  hours  with  brother  Johns  at  Newcastle,  but,  as  he  was 
in  the  country,  I  came  on.  As  well  as  my  situation,  amid 
the  noise  of  the  stage  and  steamboat  would  allow,  I  endea- 
voured to  attend  to  your  request  that  evening,  and  I  assure 
you,  it  afforded  me  not  a  little  pleasure  to  think,  that,  not 
only  on  that  evening,  but  also  on  the  Friday  and  Saturday 
evening  you  mentioned,  I  should  enjoy  the  benefits  of  being 
remembered  by  your  little  circle.  Oh  pray  that  I  may  have 
meekness,  simplicity,  sincerity,  faithfulness,  and  every 
other  quality  that  enters  into  the  character  of  a  Christian 
minister.  Pray  that  I  may  be  wise  to  win  souls,  and  that  I 
may  know  how  to  pray,  and  to  study,  and  to  preach,  and  to 
live  as  I  ought.  And  may  the  presence  of  the  Almighty 
crown  your  little  meetings.  May  the  spirit  of  peace,  of 
order,  of  harmony,  of  self-devotion,  of  deadness  to  the 
world,  rest  upon  you,  and  may  Christ  be  formed  in  all  your 
hearts  the  hope  of  glory.  Pray  on ;  pray  for  Jerusalem ; 
they  shall  prosper  that  love  her  :  pray  for  all  mankind. 

"  Tuesday,  arriving  in  Baltimore,  I  found  brother  Hen- 
derson preparing  for  his  journey.  That  evening  mounted 
my  faithful  horse,  and  yesterday  morning  arrived  in  Fre- 
dericktown,  there  detained  till  this  morning,  by  finding  a 
lady,  one  of  my  spiritual  children,  as  I  humbly  hope,  in 
great  affliction,  she  being  ill  herself,  and  her  mother  dying  ; 
she  took  me  in  her  arms,  and  would  not  let  me  go.  Her 
mother  is  witnessing  a  good  profession — a  triumphant  hope. 
She  was  still  alive  this  morning. — And  now  I  am  with  my 
dear  family,  all  well ;  and  the  first  of  my  occupation,  is 
sitting  down  to  trouble  you  with  this  narration.  Why  is 
this?  It  is  because  the  remembrance  of  my  pious  friends 
in  Philadelphia  is  deai  to  my  heart.  Oh,  that  the  Head  of 
the  Church  may  have  been  pleased  to  bless  my  labours 
among  you.  Those  labours  were  rather  too  severe  for  my 
mortal  frame ;  but  if  only  one  soul  is  benefitted,  how  abun- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  227 

dantly  shall  I  be  repaid.  And  will  you  not  all  pray  that 
they  may  not  prove  in  vain  ?  You  know  the  Almighty  can 
make  effectual  the  weakest  means. 

"  As  so  many  of  my  friends  take  an  active  interest  in  the 
Sunday-schools,  I  take  the  liberty  of  sending  them,  as  a 
token  that  I  have  not  forgot  them,  some  remarks  addressed 
to  a  Sunday-school  in  this  place.  Reading  their  report  has 
interested  me  much,  and  I  hope  to  be  able  to  bring  some 
of  the  schools  in  this  country  into  connexion  with  theirs. 

"  And  now  this  is  but  an  apology  for  a  letter,  intended 
chiefly  to  say,  that  it  is  now  your  turn  to  write,  and  that  it 
would  give  me  much  pleasure  to  hear,  not  only  from  you, 
but  also  from  any  other  of  my  fellow  believers  in  Jesus, 
who  may  be  disposed  to  write.  Accept  the  love  of  my 
dear  partner,  with  mine  to  you  all.  May  the  Holy  Spirit 
rest  upon  you. 

"Affectionately,  your's  in  Christ, 

B.  ALLEN." 
He  also  wrote  to  me —  "  Charlestown,  July  6th. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — As  to  Philadelphia,  there  is  no  doubt 
of  my  going  there.  All  but  a  formal  call  assures  of  this, 
and  that  I  am  expecting;  but  the  Lord  will  order  all  things 
well.  His  will  is  mine  I  trust.  May  God  bless  you  and 
Margaret  and  M.  Truly  your's, 

"B.  ALLEN." 

One  of  the  Church  Wardens  of  St.  Paul's  wrote  to  my 
brother — 

"Philadelphia,  July  10th. 

"Rev.  Benjamin  Allen — Dear  Sir: — Your  short  visit  to 
this  city  was  highly  gratifying  to  myself,  and  the  members 
of  St.  Paul's  Church  in  general.  And  I  sincerely  hope, 
the  instruction  you  gave  us,  will  be  attended  with  lasting 
benefit  to  all  of  us.  Believing  that  whether  present  or 
absent  you  will  always  feel  interested  for  the  people  of  St. 


228  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Paul's,  I  cheerfully  comply  with  my  promise,  by  giving  you 
a  short  detail  of  our  proceedings  since  you  left  us.  At  the 
request  of  twenty  members,  the  Vestry  called  yesterday  a 
meeting  of  the  congregation.  When  assembled,  a  motion 
was  made  to  reconsider  the  Resolutions  passed  some  weeks 
since,  viz. :  to  call  an  Assistant  Minister.  After  arguing 
the  question  for  some  time,  the  congregation  determined  to 
adhere  to  the  Resolutions ;  and  an  election  for  an  Assistant 
Minister  will  take  place  on  the  30th  of  this  month.  It  may 
be  proper  to  inform  you,  that  the  members  in  general  con- 
sider themselves  in  some  measure  pledged  to  give  the  Rev. 
Mr.  McIIvaine  a  call.  If  he  refuses,  and  I  am  confident  he 
will,  they  will  immediately  after  elect  a  Rector ;  and  I  have 
no  hesitation  in  saying,  that  they  are  at  this  time  looking 
forward  for  you  to  fill  that  office." 

To  the  above,  my  brother  gave  the  following  answer — 
"  Charlestown,  July  16th. 

"  Dear  Sir : — The  course  pursued  by  the  congregation  in 
its  meeting  of  the  9th,  affords  me  very  great  satisfaction. 
Had  they  rescinded  their  Resolution,  there  would,  from  the 
circumstances  stated,  have  been  a  diversity  of  sentiment ; 
and  had  they  chosen  a  Rector,  he  must  have  felt  himself 
under  the  necessity  of  refusing,  as  no  man  can  desire  to 
be  the  means  of  dividing  a  people. 

"  Mr.  McIIvaine,  from  his  known  piety  and  superior 
talents,  could  not  but  prove  an  honour  and  a  blessing  to 
your  Church,  and  should  he,  contrary  to  expectation,  be 
disposed  to  accept,  I  must  entreat  all  who  have  been  so 
kind  as  to  favour  me  with  their  good  opinion,  to  promote  his 
coming,  to  the  utmost  of  their  power ;  as  in  the  event  of  his 
willingness,  I  know  of  no  one  they  could  procure  so  ac- 
ceptable. I  am  thus  full  in  expressing  myself,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  free  conversation  which  passed  between  us. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  229 

My  sentiments  then  expressed,  remain  the  same.  May  the 
Spirit  of  the  living  God  direct  the  congregation  of  St.  Paul's, 
and  my  dear  brother  Mr.  Mcllvaine,  and  oh  !  may  it  direct 
your  unworthy  friend,  B.  ALLEN." 

P.  S.  "  Please  remember  me  affectionately  to  all  who 
inquire,  and  tell  them,  the  recollection  of  their  unceasing 
hospitalities  will  not  soon  be  forgotten.  Especially  present 
me  to  my  kind  host  and  hostess,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  K.  A  ser- 
mon accompanying  this,  please  accept  as  a  trifling  memento. 
"  Sincerely  your's,  B.  A." 

Another  letter  was  written  to  my  brother  by  the  same 
Warden — 

"  Philadelphia,  August  28th. 

"  Dear  Sir  : — I  thank  you  for  your  friendly  communica- 
tion of  the  16th  ult.  The  sermon  that  you  sent  me  has 
been  read  by  many  of  your  friends  in  our  Church,  with 
much  pleasure.  I  have  deferred  writing  to  you  until  this 
time,  in  order  that  I  might  be  able  to  give  you  some  infor- 
mation as  respects  St.  Paul's  Church.  The  call  to  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Mcllvaine  has  been  made,  and,  as  I  expected,  has  been 
refused.  He  assigns  the  same  reasons  as  our  worthy  friend 
Mr.  Johns  did,  that  is,  his  connexion  between  him  and  his 
congregation  is  such,  that  he  cannot  leave  them.  Yester- 
day the  members  of  our  Church  assembled.  His  answer 
was  laid  before  them,  and  they,  without  a  dissenting  voice, 
agreed  to  meet  on  Monday  next,  for  the  purpose  of  electing 
a  Rector.  Now,  my  dear  Sir,  our  attention  is  drawn  to 
you.  In  my  mind  there  is  not  a  doubt  of  your  being  elected 
by  a  large  majority.  Permit  me  to  say,  you  will  not  disap- 
point us.  Our  Church  is  in  a  suflfering  condition,  and  if 
you  refuse,  the  consequence  will  be  very  serious.  Many 
of  our  members  are  at  this  time  very  uneasy  in  the  present 
state  of  the  Church,  and  unless  a  Gospel  minister  is  shortly 
obtained,  they  will  leave  us. 


230  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  I  am  aware  that  your  movements  must  be  directed  by 
what  you  conceive  is  the  will  of  your  Heavenly  Master. 
But  let  me  ask  you,  if  we  are  to  judge  from  appearances, 
where  is  there  a  field  that  presents  a  scene  of  usefulness 
greater  than  St.  Paul's  Church?  We  have  been  for  many 
months,  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd,  and  we  want  such  a 
man  as  yourself  to  bring  us  to  the  fold  of  Christ. 

"Let  me  hear  from  you  as  soon  as  possible,  and  in  your 
answer,  enable  me  to  say  to  our  brethren  of  the  Church, 
that  you  will  come  among  us,  if  elected  Rector. 

"  Your  friend." 

My  brother  also  received  the  following  from  the  same 
friend,  dated — 

"  Philadelphia,  September  5th. 

"  Dear  Sir : — I  wrote  to  you  about  ten  days  since,  and 
was  in  hopes  that  I  should  have  heard  from  you  before  this 
time.  I  have  now  the  pleasure  of  informing  you,  that,  on 
Monday  last,  you  were  elected,  by  a  large  majority,  Rector 
of  St.  Paul's  Church.  And  now,  my  dear  Sir,  if  you  have 
any  regard  for  the  people  of  our  Church,  do  not  refuse  the 
call.  As  you  are  well  acquainted  with  our  wants,  being 
lately  with  us,  and  we  believing  that  you  can  supply  those 
wants,  is  it  not  your  duty  to  come  and  minister  to  us? 
When  you  take  this  subject  into  consideration,  let  me  beg 
of  you  to  remember,  that  if  you  refuse,  our  Church  will  be 
left  without  a  hope  of  shortly  obtaining  a  Gospel  preacher, 
as  we  know  of  no  one  that  could  supply  your  place.  At 
this  time  I  will  say  no  more  on  the  subject,  as  your  friends 
Mr.  R.  North,  and  Mr.  John  Pechin,  appointed  by  Vestry, 
will  be  with  you  in  a  few  days.  Any  assistance  in  my 
power  will  be  afforded  in  the  removing  of  yourself  and 
family  to  this  city.  And  may  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  all 
events  direct  you  in  this  solemn  call,  is  the  prayer  of  your 
friend." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  231 

Another  friend,  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  also  ad- 
dressed my  brother — 

"  Philadelphia,  September  8th. 

"  Dear  Brother : — Many  fervent  prayers  have  been  offered 
for  you  and  yours,  but  I  trust  with  submission  to  Divine 
Wisdom,  and  an  humble  reliance,  that  all  things  would  be 
ordered  aiightby  the  Supreme  Disposer  of  all  human  events, 
to  whom  alone  we  desire  to  look  for  direction.  The  prayer 
of  our  hearts  has  been,  if  it  is  by  the  Lord's  appointment, 
that  he  would  work  for  his  own  glory,  and  bring  you  among 
us,  filled  with  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel  of  peace — strong 
in  the  faith,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might ;  willing  to  do 
the  work  of  an  Evangelist  with  a  single  eye  to  his  glory, 
and  the  salvation  of  precious  and  immortal  souls ;  ever 
studying  to  show  thyself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman 
that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  truth,  giving  to  every  one  their  portion  of  meat  in  due 
season.  With  a  mind  thus  furnished,  my  brother,  we  may 
humbly  hope  your  labours  will  prove  a  blessing  to  us,  and 
salutary  to  your  own  soul. 

"  Should  you  be  brought  here  either  in  our  will  or  your 
own,  both  parties,  in  all  probability,  would  have  reason  to 
mourn  over  the  event ;  but  this  does  not  appear  to  be  the 
case  in  the  present  instance.  Your  settlement  among  us 
seems  to  be  the  voice  of  the  people,  with  comparatively 
few  exceptions,  and  I  think  I  have  taken  no  small  pains  to 
ascertain  the  general  opinion.  There  has  been  some  small 
opposition,  that  proceeded  more  from  a  benevolent  disposi- 
tion in  some  few  towards  a  friend  of  ours,  than  any  objection 
to  your  ministry.  However,  although  I  have  ventured  to 
express  so  much,  it  is  with  a  firm  persuasion  that  you  will 
suffer  yourself  to  be  biased  by  no  human  opinion  ;  but  that 
you  have,  and  still  do  commit  it  to  the  decision  of  that 
power,  who  alone  has  a  right  to  appoint  and  disappoint,  and 
who  knows  what  is  best  for  us  all. 


232  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Mr.  North  will  hand  this  to  you.  May  the  Lord  of  his 
infinite  mercy,  guard,  guide,  and  direct  you,  my  brother, 
and  grant  us  all  resignation  to  his  Divine  will ;  ever  look- 
ing towards  that  better  inheritance,  procured  by  the  pre- 
cious blood  of  a  compassionate  Redeemer,  for  his  unwor- 
thy followers.  And  oh  !  may  you  and  your's  be  his  peculiar 
care,  prays  your  afiectionate  friend." 

Messrs.  North  and  Pechin,  as  a  Committee  of  the  Vestry, 
went  to  Charlestown,  and  presented  the  following  call  to 
my  brother  in  person — 

"  Philadelphia,  September  4th,  1821. 

"  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen — Dear  Sir : — The  congregation 
of  St.  Paul's  Church  have  chosen  you  Rector ;  it  becomes 
the  pleasing  duty  of  the  Vestry  to  inform  you  through  their 
Committee,  Messrs.  Richard  North  and  John  Pechin,  of 
the  appointment. 

'<  The  field  of  usefulness  is  an  extensive  one  ;  the  har- 
vest truly  is  plenteous,  and  we  pray  the  Lord  of  the  harvest 
that  he  send  you  a  labourer  into  this  vineyard. 

"  The  salary  of  the  Rector  has,  for  the  present,  been 
fixed  at  sixteen  hundred  dollars  per  annum.  An  annnuity 
of  eight  hundred  dollars  having  been  settled  on  our  late 
venerable  minister. 

"  Your  reply  to  this  communication  as  soon  as  conve- 
nient will  be  acceptable ;  and  with  every  sentiment  of 
respect,  we  remain 

"  Your  friends, 

JOHN  CLAXTON,  )  ^    ^       „ 

RICHARD  JOHNSTON,  ^  ^^raens. 

The  following  I  find  in  his  own  hand — 

"  Charlestown,  J.  C,  Va.,  Sept.  13th. 
"  Gentlemen  :— I  accept  the  call  to  the  Rectorship  of 
St.  Paul's  Church  with  pleasure.     I  do  it,  however,  trem- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  233 

bling  in  view  of  the  responsibility  about  to  rest  upon  me ; 
and  I  offer  my  earnest  prayer  to  the  Head  of  the  Church, 
that  he  may  enable  me  so  to  discharge  my  duties,  and  the 
people  of  St.  Paul's  so  to  profit  by  my  labours,  as  that 
our  union  may  prove  an  everlasting  benefit  to  us  all :  and 
to  this  prayer,  I  hope  every  member  of  the  congregation 
will  say.  Amen.  May  the  Spirit  of  the  Most  High  rest 
upon  you,  gentlemen ;  and  may  it  direct  and  strengthen 
"  Your  unworthy  friend,  B.  ALLEN. 

John  Claxton,        )  Wardens  of  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Richard  Johnson,  ^  Philadelphia." 

On  the  same  day  he  wrote  to  me — 

"  Dear  Thomas : — I  have  received  a  call  from  the 
Church  in  Philadelphia,  and  have  accepted  the  call,  and 
in  so  doing  have  acted  under  the  strongest  convictions  of 
duty.  My  peculiar  work  here,  which  was  to  labour  for  the 
revival  of  the  Church,  is  done.  God  has  been  pleased  in 
infinite  mercy  to  revive  it — churches  are  built,  and  all 
things  completed.  Now  I  look  for  a  single  congrega- 
tion, where  my  labours  may  be  confined  to  a  point ;  where 
I  can  be  more  with  my  children,  who  now  demand  my 
attention ;  where  I  can  improve  myself,  &;c. 

"  The  field  to  which  I  am  called,  is  much  larger  than 
the  one  I  now  occupy,  and  is  exactly  such  an  one  as  I 
wish  to  settle  in  for  life.  Surely  goodness  and  mercy  have 
followed  me  all  the  days  of  my  life,  and  I  shall  dwell  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord  for  ever.  I  feel  that  I  shall  more 
than  ever  need  the  prayers  of  all  who  feel  an  interest  in  my 
doing  my  duty;  and  those,  I  trust,  will  not  be  withheld. 
We  expect  to  move  the  last  of  next  month. 

"  Truly,  your's,  B.ALLEN." 

He  again  wrote  to  a  friend  in  Philadelphia — 

"  Charlestown,  October  1st,  1821. 
"  Dear  Sister  : — Your's,  this  afternoon  received,  is  truly 

X 


234  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

acceptable,  and  needs  no  apology.  I  feel  thankful  that 
there  are  some  who  still  persevere  in  knocking  at  the  door 
of  the  fountain  of  grace  for  me.  My  mind  is  much  exer- 
cised with  the  prospect  of  what  is  before  me.  I  feel  all 
you  express,  and  fervently  desire  that  I  may  indeed  have 
the  wisdom  of  the  serpent  and  the  harmlessness  of  the 
dove — that  I  may  be  both  a  Boanerges,  and  a  son  of  conso- 
lation :  may  a  gracious  Master  help  me  so  to  be.  The 
field  before  me,  I  see  to  be  large — the  duties  peculiarly 
arduous — the  trials,  in  some  measure,  new  ;  and  my  soul 
is  continually  asking  help.  I  know,  that  in  the  might  of 
Jesus,  the  worm  Jacob  can  thresh  the  mountains — and 
there  is  my  only  trust.  In  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts, 
may  I  set  up  my  banner — may  he  be  my  support." 

"  Do  not  blame  yourself  for  asking  me  to  address  the 
children.  That  day's  duty  was  not  too  severe ;  though  it 
could  not  be  constantly  continued.  I  feel  it  a  privilege  to 
labour  with  the  young — there  I  expect  the  richest  fruits. 

"  We  are  very  busy  packing  up.  Expect  to  be  with  you 
the  last  Sunday  in  this  month. 

"Our  love  to  all.  May  the  Lord  sanctify  us  both,  and 
you  all.  Truly,  your's,  B.  ALLEN. 

"  There  is  time  enough  for  you  to  write  once  more." 

While  my  brother  was  making  arrangements  to  remove 
to  a  new  scene  of  labour,  he  was  not  unmindful  of  those 
people,  among  whom  he  had  so  ardently  and  so  success- 
fully laboured,  and  in  whose  kindness  and  hospitality  he 
had  so  long  participated.  His  eye  immediately  looked 
around  for  some  suitable  supply,  and  his  first  effort  was 
successful. 

He  received  the  following  answer  to  his  application — 

"  Bristol,  September  20th,  1821. 
"  Thank  you,  dear  brother  Allen,  for  the  very  acceptable 
compliment  which  your  letter  implies,  and  for  your  good 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  235 

will  towards  me  which  dictated  the  first  application  to  me, 
for  '  supplying'  to  your  people,  your  lack  of  service. 

"  I  feel,  I  assure  you,  altogether  disposed  to  accept  it. 
But  there  are  so  many  obstacles  presented  in  the  unwill- 
ingness of  the  Bishop  that  I  should  leave  his  diocess,  and 
of  my  friends  that  I  should  remove  again  to  such  a  distance 
from  them,  that  I  hardly  know  how  to  decide.  To  satisfy 
your  wish,  that  I  should  write  immediately,  I  am  now  tell- 
ing you  of  these  difliculties,  and  of  my  correspondent  hesi- 
tancy and  indecision.  I  can  only  say  that  every  thing 
appears  verging  to  the  conclusion  that  I  ought  to  visit  your 
people.  The  point  will  soon  be  decided  ;  and  a  letter  will 
either  follow  this  very  speedily  saying,  that  we  cannot  visit 
you,  or  we  shall  ourselves  commence  our  journey  towards 
you.  If  we  see  your  people  at  all,  it  will  be  by  the  10th 
of  November.  We  shall  commence  our  journey  in  a 
fortnight.  Your's,  affectionately, 

"BENJAMIN  B.  SMITH." 

Respecting  the  same  individual,  my  brother  received  the 
following — 

"  Winchester,  October  11th. 

"Dear  Brother: — I  received  yesterday  a  letter  from  bro- 
ther Smith,  dated  Bristol,  R.  I.  in  which  he  acknowledges 
the  receipt  of  the  communications  from  yourself  and  me, 
on  the  subject  of  visiting  Jefferson ;  and  his  intention  of 
setting  out  immediately  for  that  purpose.  He  would  have 
written  you,  but  thought  you  might  possibly  have  already 
left  Charlestown,  and  that  it  would  accordingly  be  safest  to 
transmit  the  information  through  me.  By  the  leave  of  Pro- 
vidence, he  says,  he  will  be  in  Charlestown  about  the  mid- 
dle of  November.  You  will  of  course  take  such  steps  as 
you  may  deem  advisible,  to  prepare  the  people  for  his 
coming." 

"  I  regret  much  the  loss  we  are  about  to  experience  in 
this  part  of  the  vineyard  by  the  removal  of  your  labours. 


236  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Still,  I  doubt  not,  you  are  guided  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
of  the  vineyard  ;  and  therefore  pray  you  '  God  speed.'  May 
you  find  your  new  situation  far  more  happy  and  useful,  than 
that  which  you  are  to  leave.  It  will  on  many  accounts  be 
more  trying.  But  God  is  with  you,  and  his  grace  sufficient 
for  you.  Cannot  you  find  time  to  write  me  a  line  before 
you  go.     It  will  gratify  your  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

"J.  J.  ROBERTSON." 

My  brother  wrote  to  Bishop  Moore,  and  enclosed  the 
following  certificate  of  the  Vestry. 

"  It  affords  me  no  little  pain  to  make  the  request  that  I 
am  about  to  prefer  to  you,  as  many  of  the  pleasantest  hours 
of  my  life  have  been  spent  in  your  Diocess,  and  in  con- 
nexion with  brethren  whom  I  shall  always  remember  with 
affection.  But  I  feel  a  most  decided  conviction  of  duty 
calling  to  the  step  which  I  am  on  the  eve  of  taking.  The 
great  increase  of  usefulness  promised  by  my  new  situation, 
together  with  the  duties  I  owe  my  children,  cause  me  to 
feel  that  I  ought  to  remove.  The  canon  requires  that  I 
should  report  to  you  my  conduct,  and  my  Vestry  having 
thought  proper  to  certify  favourably,  much  more  favourably 
than  I  at  all  deserve,  I  send  the  accompanying  paper.  Will 
you  do  me  the  favour  to  forward  to  me  in  Philadelphia  the 
demissary  letter  necessary  to  my  introduction  into  the 
Diocess  of  Pennsylvania.  For  the  many  most  affectionate 
exhortations  I  have  received  from  you,  I  hope  you  will 
accept  my  sincere  thanks.  These  exhortations  have  from 
time  to  time  made  a  deep  impression  upon  me.  T  trust  they 
will  never  be  forgotten.  That  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God 
in  its  cheering,  strengthening  and  sanctifying  influences 
may  rest  upon  you  and  my  dear  brethren  the  clergy,  and 
all  the  people  of  Virginia,  is  the  fervent  prayer  of  your's, 
with  respectful  affection,  B.  ALLEN." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  237 

The  following  is  the  certificate — 

*'  At  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry  of  the  parish  of  St. 
Andrew's,  in  Jefferson  County,  Virginia,  on  the  14th  day  of 
October,  1821,  it  was  ordered  to  be  certified.  That  the 
Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  their  late  Pastor,  (who  has  been 
called  to  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia)  has  for  several 
years  resided  among  them  as  Rector  of  this  Parish,  and  has, 
during  the  whole  of  that  time,  conducted  himself  as  a 
faithful  and  diligent  minister  of  the  Gospel.  The  Vestry 
cannot  part  with  Mr.  Allen  without  further  certifying,  that 
his  conduct  in  every  respect  has  been  perfectly  exemplary. 
And  they  do  not  hesitate  to  declare  also,  that  no  man  in 
this  section  of  Virginia  has  done  more  for  the  Church,  or 
perhaps  as  much,  as  Mr,  Allen.  They  part  with  him  with 
great  reluctance,  but  with  a  hope  that  he  will  still  continue 
his  usefulness  wherever  he  goes,  and  long  live  to  be  a 
burning  and  shining  light  in  the  Church.  By  order  of  the 
Vestry. 

ABRAHAM  SHEPHERD,  >  ^    , 
DANIEL  MORGAN,  I  vvaruens. 

James  Brown,  Clerk." 

With  reference  to  his  removal,  he  writes  to  a  connexion 
in  Hudson — 

"  Charlestown,  October  I5th. 

"  My  Dear  Aunt : — My  situation  is  about  to  be  changed. 
I  expect  to  remove  next  week  to  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
a  congregation  there  having  thought  proper  to  call  me  ; 
where  you  will  in  future  direct  your  letters.  The  field  of 
usefulness  there  is  great,  and  the  duties  necessarily  ardu- 
ous, but  the  grace  of  my  Master  is  equal  to  all  things.  I 
leave  this  country  v/ith  regret,  but  the  prospect  of  a  large 
increase  of  usefulness  makes  it  my  duty.  Moreover,  my 
children  are  growing  to  an  age  which  demands  my  atten- 
tion ;  and  such  is  the  nature  of  my  present  situation,  that 

x2 


238  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

I  cannot  now  be  with  them  more  than  half  the  time.  May 
the  Lord  be  my  wisdom,  my  strength,  and  my  comfort,  in 
my  new  trials  and  arduous  duties.  I  am  straightened  in  con- 
sequence of  my  education,  &;c.,  but  the  Lord  helpeth  me. 
I  have  the  necessities  and  comforts  of  life.  May  I  be  more 
useful.     May  the  blessing  of  Jesus  Christ  rest  upon  us  all. 

"B.  ALLEN." 

One  of  the  Committee  who  presented  the  call  to  my 
brother,  wrote  to  him — 

"  Philadelphia,  October  14th,  1821. 
"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir: — As  the  time  is  nigh  at  hand  when 
you  will  be  leaving  Charlestown,  and  when  we  shall  expect 
to  see  you  in  Philadelphia,  I  embrace  the  opportunity  of 
informing  you,  that  I  have  taken  a  house  which  I  hope  will 
suit,  at  least  for  a  time.  1  shall  be  glad  if  you  will  inform 
me  the  day  you  calculate  to  arrive,  that  I  may  have  the 
pleasure  of  meeting  you  and  Mrs.  Allen  at  the  wharf  when 
the  steamboat  arrives ;  or  if  any  goods  you  may  send  by 
the  packet  should  arrive  before  you,  that  I  may  see  them 
taken  care  of.  Mr.  K.'s  house  will  be  ready  to  receive 
you  and  Mrs.  Allen,  with  all  the  other  branches  of  your 
family,  until  the  things  can  be  arranged  in  your  own  house. 
We  are  anxiously  waiting,  in  hopes  that  nothing  may  hap- 
pen to  prevent  your  preaching  for  us  next  Sunday  week. 
Please  to  present  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Allen,  and  accept 
the  same  for  yourself.  Your's,  very  sincerely." 

My  Brother  again  wrote  to  me — 

"  Shepherdstown,  October  17th. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — It  would  affoid  me  much  pleasure  to 
pass  by  the  Court-House  and  pay  you  a  visit,  but  it  will  be 
so  much  out  of  our  way,  and  it  will  be  so  entirely  out  of 
my  power  to  take  the  time,  that  we  must  defer  seeing  you 
for  the  present. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  230 

*'  A  clergyman  is  engaged  for  my  Parish,  who  will,  I  trust, 
more  than  supply  my  lack  of  service.  He  is  to  visit  the 
Parish  next  month. 

"  My  sickness  was  not  so  severe  as  entirely  to  lay  me  up, 
though  it  made  me  very  weak.     I  am  now  perfectly  well. 

"  We  are  thus  far  on  our  way  to  Philadelphia,  where  I 
expect  to  preach  next  Sabbath  week.  The  duties  before 
me  are  arduous,  and  the  responsibility  great.  I  pray  the 
Giver  of  strength  to  impart  to  me  that  aid,  without  which 
I  can  do  nothing.  May  your  prayers  for  me  be  heard,  and  may 
they  continue  to  be  offered." — "  I  am  glad  you  are  getting 
under  your  own  roof,  as  it  will  be  more  agreeable.  I  trust 
we  shall  see  you  there,  and  you  us,  in  Philadelphia.  May 
the  blessing  of  the  most  High  rest  upon  you  and  your's, 

"B.  ALLEN." 

My  brother  moved  on  with  his  family  and  arrived  in  Phi- 
ladelphia, where  he  was  received  in  a  manner  truly  grateful 
to  his  own  feelings.  His  public  ministrations  commenced 
Sabbath,  October  28th,  1821.  He  arrived  in  Philadelphia 
before  the  necessary  papers  were  forwarded  by  Bishop 
Moore.  He  therefore  wrote  again,  inquiring  the  cause  of 
the  delay.     In  that  letter  he  remarks — 

"  November  5th. 

"  My  people  were  reluctant  to  part  with  me,  but  they 
declared,  almost  with  one  voice,  it  was  my  duty  to  remove, 
so  far  as  I  conversed  with  them,  which  was  quite  generally  ; 
and  one  of  the  Vestries  formally,  through  me,  invited  Mr. 
Smith. 

"  May  the  Lord  pardon  the  imperfections  of  my  labours, 
and  cause  that  neither  you,  nor  the  people  of  Virginia,  may 
have  reason  to  regret  my  having  spent  seven  years  among 
them.     Please  remember  me  to  Mrs.  Moore  and  family. 

"  Respectfully  and  affectionately  your's, 

"B.  ALLEN." 


240  MEMOIIl  OF  THE 

;  The  Bishop  soon  enclosed  the  necessary  letter,  in  the 

following — 

"Richmond,  Va.,  November  15th,  1821. 
"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : — I  hasten  to  enclose  you  the  certi- 
ficate for  which  you  have  applied,  in  order  that  you  may 
be  received  in  the  Diocess  to  which  you  have  removed. 
"  The  laborious  exertions  which  marked  your  ministry 
I  in  Virginia,  always  secured  you  my  approbation  ;  and  it  is 

I  my  sincere  wish  that  the  Almighty  may  direct  you  in  all 

your  doings,  with  his  most  gracious  favour,  and  further  you 
with  his  continual  help.  With  love  to  Mrs.  Allen,  believe 
me  your  friend  and  obedient  servant, 

RICHARD  CHANNING  MOORE." 

The  high  estimate  in  which  my  brother's  labours  were 
held,  and  the  ardent  affection  of  his  former  people  and 
friends,  was  evidenced  in  some  of  the  epistles  which  fol- 
lowed him. 

1  give  the  following  extracts.     One  of  his  parishioners, 

who  had  been  much  blessed  by  his  labours  in   seasons  of 

peculiar  trial,  writes  to  him — 

"November  5th. 

",My  much  beloved  Pastor  : — Although  much  indisposed, 

so  much  so  as  scarcely  to  be  able  to  set  up,  yet  duty  and 

inclination  prompt   me  to  write  to  you.     Oh  !  how  shall  I 

commence ;  and  am  I  doomed  to  address  my  dear,  deai 

r  friend,  at  so  great  a  distance  ?" 

"  On  my  first  ride  out,  my  inclination  led  me  to  the 
Church.  Language  fails  to  express  my  feelings.  The 
Church,  trees,  and  lambs  which  were  feeding  around,  seemed 
to  mourn  the  departure  of  your  dear  self.  My  cup  of  grief 
seemed  to  be  full  to  the  brim  and  running  over ;  nature  ex- 
hausted ;  had  to  be  brought  home  and  go  to  bed." 

"  Could  it  be  otherwise  expected,  than  for  it  to  be  a 
heart-rending  struggle  to  part  from  one,  who  so  affection- 
ately poured  in  the  oil  and  wine  into  my  desponding  soul ; 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  241 

and  who,  through  all  my  fiery  trials  and  great  infirmities, 
and  weaknesses,  never  left  me  nor  forsook  me  ?  O  that  I 
may  be  enabled  ever  to  be  mindful  of  your  good  counsel, 
admonitions,  and  prayers.  I  supplicate  their  continuance, 
and  hope  to  profit  by  them,  through  life  and  eternity." — 
"  I  went  to  church." — "  I  could  not  prevent  myself  from 
standing  at  the  door,  and  indulging  my  imagination  with 
seeing  you  walk  from  your  house  to  the  church." — "  I  hope 
my  friend  will  not  think  me  deceptions,  when  I  say  no 
preacher,  time,  nor  place,  will  ever  erase  him  from  my 
memory.  Remember  me  afliectionately  to  Mrs.  Allen,  and 
kiss  the  dear  children  for  me.  May  the  best  of  blessings 
attend  you,  and  when  your  journey  of  life  is  over,  may  you 
be  wafted  to  the  Haven  of  Eternal  Rest. 

"  '  There  may  we  meet  at  last,  and  join 

In  songs  and  raptures  all  divine, 

With  saints  and  angels  round  the  throne, 

To  praise  the  Infinite  Three,  One.' 

"Affectionately,  N.  N.  H." 

Another  writes —  "  December  4th. 

"  My  Dear  Friend : — I  feel  thankful  that  you  were  so 
well  received,  and  pleased  with  your  situation.  Your 
absence  was  much  regretted  by  your  friends  here,  but  as 
it  is  ordered  otherwise,  and  so  much  to  your  temporal,  as 
well  as  spiritual  welfare,  we  must  not  repine.  I  hope  your 
duties  will  not  be  more  than  your  health  will  permit." — 
"  May  the  Lord  of  his  great  mercy  spare  us  to  meet  again 
in  this  world,  and  also  fit  us  for  his  Kingdom  above,  prays 
"  Your  affectionate  friend,  E.  W." 

An  aged  and  tried  friend  also  writes  to  him  from  the 
neighbourhood  of  Sharpsburg — 

"  Mount  Pleasant,  December  27th. 

"  My   Dear   and   Reverend   Son   and   Children,  for  as 
such,  my  attachment  is  for  you. 1  wish    the  will  of 


242  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

my  dear,  departed  husband,  was  as  he  made  it,  and  I 
believed  it." 

"  I  would  never  have  parted  with  you  and  your's,  if  I 
could  have  prevented  it." 

'*  I  received  your  kind  letter  from  Frederick.  Write  me 
soon.  I  long  to  hear  from  you  and  your  dear  family.  I  pray 
God  to  bless  you  all,  and  prosper  you,  and  give  you  many 
happy  New  Years. 

"  From  your  sincere  friend,  M.  A.  C.  A.  C." 

The  husband  of  the  above  lady  was  so  much  attached  to 
my  brother  that,  in  making  his  will,  he  left  his  family  dwell- 
ing and  one  hundred  acres  of  land  to  him.  After  the  old 
gentleman's  death,  however,  a  connexion  came  forward,  and 
by  a  course  of  law  obtained  possession  of  the  above  estate, 
to  the  exclusion  of  my  brother. 

I  add  another  extract  from  a  friend  in 

"  WiNCHESTEK,  December  15th. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : — I  should  be  glad  to  have  a  letter 
from  you,  as  a  friend.  It  would  give  me  pleasure  to  know 
of  your  success  in  relation  to  yourself,  your  family,  and  the 
Church  of  Christ.  I  fear  your  having  left  our  Diocess  will 
be  seriously  felt :  there  is  no  other  person  among  us  capa- 
ble of  the  exertions  which  you  exercised.  I  fear  the 
society,  and  the  associate  meetings,  will  languish." — "  May 
God  bless  your  labours  abundantly,  and  make  you  the 
instrument  of  much  good.     The  reward  is  certain. 

"  Your  friend,  &c.  OBED  WAITE." 

My  brother's  removal  to  Philadelphia  was  one  of  the 
most  important  steps  in  his  history.  I  have,  therefore, 
endeavoured  to  present  a  full  view  of  his  feelings  and 
motives,  and  many  of  the  attending  circumstances  of  that 
removal ;  also  his  standing  with  the  people  of  Virginia,  and 
his  reception  in  Pennsylvania. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


ADDITIONAL  EXTRACTS   FROM   HIS  CORRESPONDENCE  DURING 
1820  AND  1821. 


The  following  extracts  from  my  brother's  correspondence 
with  myself,  to  the  time  of  his  removal  to  Philadelphia,  I 
trust  will  not  be  perused  without  pleasure  and  profit. 

"  Charlestown,  February  9th,  1820." 
"  Dear  Thomas  : — What  is  the  best  means  of  correcting 
our  own  evil  tempers?  What,  but  studying  the  character  of 
Jesus,  making  the  gift  of  humility  and  meekness  a  greater 
subject  of  constant  prayer?  What,  but  oft  reflecting  on 
Paul's  description  of  charity  ?  You  know,  my  brother,  we 
must  be  patient  even  under  injuries,  forbearing,  studious 

of  discovering  the  best  motives,  thinking  no  evil." 

"  Indeed  our  code  of  laws  is  not  that  of  men  of  this  world's 
honour.  We  may  rather  expect  even  insults,  and  it  is  a 
part  of  our  business  to  bear  them,  and  even  under  them  to 

continue  to  do  good  to  those  who  give  them." •"  It 

becomes  us  to  endeavour  to  be  like  Him,  who,  when  he  was 
reviled,  reviled  not  again ;  when  he  suffered,  threatened 
not,  but  committed  himself  to  Him  that  judgeth  right- 
eously."— "  I  hope  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  with  you,  in 
writing,  and  preaching,  and  private  wrestling  for  your  peo- 
ple, as  well  as  public  intercourse,  and  that  many  under 
your  ministrations  may  be  brought  from  darkness  to  light." 
"  Perhaps  you  may  join  us  over  the  mountain  yet. 

"  Your's,  sincerely,  B.  ALLEN." 


244  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Winchester,  March  6th. 
"  Very  Dear  Thomas : — I  sincerely  congratulate  you  on 
the  good  prospects,  and  pray  you  may  have  an  ingathering 
of  many  stars  in  your  crown  of  rejoicing. 
"  In  haste,  your's." 

My  brother  was  instrumental  of  my  removal  to  Mont- 
gomery County,  Maryland,  as  appears  by  the  following — 

"  Fredericktown,  Md.,  May  18th. 
"Dear  Thomas: — As  I  came  by  Montgomery  Court- 
House,  I  was  informed  that  they  were  very  anxious  to  pro- 
cure a  clergyman  to  preach  there,  and  at  another  place 
about  ten  miles  distant.  I  mentioned  you  to  one  of  the 
Wardens,  and  he  appeared  very  anxious  to  obtain  you, 
provided  Mr.  G.  should  not  come,  which  1  am  now  sure  he 
cannot.  Their  salary  is  one  thousand  or  twelve  hundred  dol- 
lars. The  village  at  the  Court-House  is  very  considerable, 
and  the  society  pleasant ;  it  is  fourteen  miles  from  George- 
town, thirty-five  from  Baltimore,  and  thirty  from  here. 
The  Church  needs  some  one  there,  and  that  soon.  It  is 
out  of  Virginia ;  but  Keith  (and  when  he  goes,  M'llvaine) 
Johns,  Henshaw,  as  well  as  Wilmer,  and  Norris,  would  form 
a  desirable  clerical  neighbourhood." — "  If  you  are  disposed 
you  might  visit  the  situation.  Perhaps  they  may  write  to 
you ;  but  the  gentlemen  are  lukewarm,  at  least  some  of 
them — others,  I  did  not  see." — "  Pray  for  direction." 

"  Leesburg,  June  15th. 
"  Dear  Thomas  : — Since  writing  you  about  Montgomery 
County,  I  find  Bryan  about  going  to  Wheeling  to  seek  for 
a  settlement.  Should  he  go,  he  would  be  much  pleased  to 
have  you  succeed  him,  and  it  would  be  well  for  you  to  do 
so,  if  the  arrangement  could  be  made.  You  might  live  at 
Winchester,  and,  associated  with  Mr.  Meade,  preach  alter- 
nately in  Frederick,  and  at  Bunker's-Hill.     I  have  not  yet 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  245 

spoken  to  Meade,  neither  is  Bryan  yet  settled  in  Wheeling, 
but  I  expect  that  arrangements  can  be  made.  I  expect  to 
go  home  this  morning.     Have  been  preaching  here." 

"  July  18th. 
"  You  wrote  me,  some  time  since,  that  you  had  accepted 
the  call  to  Montgomery.  I  9.m  thankful  that  you  have  a 
prospect  of  usefulness  and  support.  I  wrote  you  before 
receiving  your's,  about  succeeding  Bryan.  The  situation 
you  have,  will,  perhaps,  on  some  accounts,  be  better, 
though  it  would  have  been  agreeable  and  desirable  to  have 
had  you  so  near.  Montgomery  is  not  very  far  off,  and  we 
may  see  each  other  oftener  than  we  have  done.  I  hope  you 
will  be  aided  by  the  Spirit  to  act  with  faithfulness,  indus- 
try, activity,  perseverance,  prayer,  and  all  the  other  virtues 
and  duties  of  the  Gospel  labourer.  May  God  make  you  a 
blessing  to  the  people.  May  he  give  you  many  souls  as 
seals  among  them-  Oh,  may  you  have  a  bright  crown  from 
among  them.     May  God  bless  you  and  all  of  us." 

"  Charlestown,  August  26th. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — I  cannot  but  hope,  that,  in  your  pre- 
sent situation,  you  will  be  useful.  This  will  depend  on 
the  degree  of  your  activity,  and  the  fervency  of  your  con- 
stant private  devotion,  and  the  degree  of  your  self-con- 
secration to  the  one  great  work  of  converting  souls.  The 
armour  of  the  Christian  is  meekness,  and  in  meekness 
instruct  those  who  oppose  themselves.  Become  a  servant 
of  servants,  for  the  sake  of  souls.  Let  Christ  dwell  in  your 
lips  wherever  you  go — your  conversation  with  grace,  &c. 

"  A  country  pastor  should  circulate  among  his  people  like 
the  air,  labouring  with  them  in  every  direction. 

"I  may  visit  you  when  I  can  probably  do  good.  Do  you 
have  associations  ?  T  wish  you  would  procure  the  Young 
Minister's  Companion,  published  by  Armstrong,  Boston, 
1813." 

Y 


246(  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"September  14th. 

"  An  Association  is  expected  to  take  place  at  Bunker's- 
Hill  on  Tuesday  week,  26th  inst.,  and  Mr.  B.  has  requested 
me  to  write  you  requesting  your  attendance.  It  would 
afford  us  great,  very  great  pleasure  to  meet  you  there.  I 
hope  to  have  one  by  and  by,  in  Shepherdstown.  You  can 
get  to  B.  H.  in  two  days,  or  less,  very  conveniently  ;  and 
put  us  all  together,  we  might  kindle  each  other,  and  go 
home  to  labour  more  and  more  earnestly,  to  the  conversion 
of  some  extra  souls.  I  hope  God  is  giving  you  seals 
already  in  your  new  abode,  and  that  you  are  labouring, 
cautiously  but  faithfully,  and  as  a  true  bold-hearted  sol- 
dier— wise  as  a  serpent,  harmless  as  a  dove.  May  the 
Spirit  of  the  Most  High  rest  upon  you  and  Margaret,  also 
upon  your  people,  to  your  lively  participation  in  the 
blessings  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  and  your  growth 
together  in  ripeness  for  glory.  Preach  Jesus,  talk  Jesus, 
live  Jesus." 

"  Lowe  is  going  to  Norfolk  next  month.  Nash,  I  believe, 
is  very  useful.  When  have  you  an  Association  at  your 
home  ?  I  will  try  to  come.  My  love  to  all  who  know  me, 
and  tell  them  I  hope  they  are  preparing  for  Death,  Judg- 
ment, and  Eternity.  Tell  Mrs.  Judge  K.  I  hope  to  thank 
her  in  Heaven  for  her  hospitality  to  us  on  earth,  and  the 
other  Mrs.  K.,  I  hope  she  may  wear  an  everlasting  crown. 
Love  to  M." 

"  (Near)  Barnesville,  Montgomery  County,  ) 

October  5th.       ^ 

"Dear  Thomas: — I  have  been  summoned  to  the  house 
of  Mr.  J.  J.  where  I  now  write,  to  visit  his  lady,  an 
acquaintance  of  mine,  who  lies  very  low.  She  is,  blessed 
be  God,  in  a  happy  frame  of  mind,  and  now  better  in  body. 
I  am  unable  to  go  on  to  visit  you,  though  within  twenty 
miles  of  you,  many  of  my  people  being  sick  and  my  family 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  247 

about  moving.  While  here,  I  have  engaged  to  attend 
an  Association  at  St.  Peter's  (Monocacy)  Church,  on 
Tuesday  two  weeks,  24th  inst.  This  arrangement  I  have 
made  chiefly  owing  to  the  distracted  and  divided  state  of 
this  people.  They  were  very  numerous,  and  are  yet." 
"  Their  minister,  I  am  told,  a  pious  young  man,  appears  not 
wholly  popular.  Something  must  be  done  to  save  the 
cause.  Let  us  do  as  we  would  be  done  by.  Let  us  make 
an  exertion  as  becomes  Christians  and  Ministers  of  the 
Church. 

"  I  propose,  therefore,  meeting  you  here,  on  Tuesday, 
24th  inst.,  and  spending  two  or  three  days  in  preach- 
ing and  administering  the  sacrament.  Johns  will,  I  hope, 
meet  us.  One  object  with  me  is,  to  see  and  meet  with  you. 
I  return  to-day.     God  bless  you  both." 

"  Charlestown,  January  8th,  1821. 
"  Dear  Thomas : — My  work  is  printed,  and  the  binder 
says,  will  be  ready  for  delivery  next  Saturday.  I  have 
given  my  notes  to  the  printer,  payable  in  a  bank  at  Wash- 
ington, one  of  which  falls  due  the  25th  February.  I  wish, 
therefore,  you  would  procure  the  copies  your  subscribers 
will  want,  and  have  the  avails  collected  in  time  to  assist 

me  in  the  payment." "My  present   appearances   are, 

of  getting  along  with  the  edition  without  trouble,  but  it 

depends   much    on    my  brethren" "Do  all   you  can, 

though  of  that  I  have  no  reason  to  doubt." "  A  clergj'- 

man  has  come  on  from  Providence,  to  settle  in  Berkeley — the 
Rev.  Mr.  Lippitt — I  think  he  will  suit  admirably.  I  have 
not  heard  whether  they  have  yet  settled  him.  He  is  there. 
He  brought  me  a  letter  from  cousin  Darius — also  uncle 
Abel,  both  sending  love  to  you,  and  wanting  to  know  ail 

about  you." "Does  God  pour  out  his   Spirit  around 

you  1" — "  Our  love  to  M.,  and  believe  us  truly 
"  Your's,  ever." 


248  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  February  13th. 

"  Your's  arrived  safely  and  afforded  much  pleasure — 
pleasure  to  hear  of  your  new  church,  which  may  the  great 
Builder  bless : — pleasure  to  hear  of  your  seventy-five  or 
one  hundred  subscribers,  obtaining  which,  is  a  great  favour ; 
pleasure  to  hear  of  other  matters. 

"  The  whole  expense  of  my  work  will  be  seven  hundred 
dollars.  May  the  great  Provider  enable  your  ability  to 
equal  your  will  in  aiding  me  out. 

"  An  Association  takes  place  here,  the  second  Tuesday 
in  March.  I  wish  you  could  come.  May  the  Lord  abun- 
dantly bless  your  labours.  Truly  as  ever." 

"  June  5th. 

"  I  have  some  thought  of  seeing  you  at  your  Baltimore 
Convention.  Whether  I  do  or  no,  you  would  do  a  favour 
by  collecting  some  more  money  for  roe,  as  I  have  a  pay- 
ment to  make  the  last  of  this  month  again,  and  have  not 
yet  the  means. 

"  Give  our  love  to  Margaret.  Tell  her  Harriot  would 
like  to  spend  the  time  in  Montgomery  with  her,  while  I  go 
to  Baltimore,  (if  I  go,)  but  cannot.  H.'s  love  to  little 
Miss  Mary  Treby  also.  Affectionately  your's." 

"September  13th. 

"  I  hope  you  have  not  failed  to  enclose  some  money  to 
Aunt  J.  for  our  father.  I  have  devoted  two  hundred  books 
entirely  to  his  benefit,  and  I  can  scarcely  raise  money  to 
pay  for  those  books,  the  collections  are  so  slow,  and  the 
disappointments  so  numerous.  Can  you  do  no  more  ?  Our 
father  and  my  old  business  keep  me  continually  involved. 
May  the  Lord  help  me  to  get  through.  I  suppose  my  debts 
have  been  a  useful  affliction. 

"  Our  father  is  quite  comfortable  and  happy,  every  thing  is 
done  for  him  that  can  be  done.  We  are  advised  not  to  go 
on,  but  to  let  him  remain  just  as  he  is.     May  the  Lord  bless 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  249 

him." "  The  Vestry  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Mouth  of 

Monocacy,  has  written  to  me  to  preach  and  administer 
the  sacrament  for  them  some  week-day.  As  I  am  making 
arrangements  to  go  to  Philadelphia,  I  cannot;  but  I  have 
directed  them  to  you,  and  I  trust  you  cannot  refuse.  I 
hope  your  labours  are  blessed,  and  souls  given  you  for  your 
hire,  or  if  not  arrived  at  that  point  yet,  that  the  attention 
of  the  people  is  increasing. 

"Our  love  to  M.  and  yourself; — all  well. 

"  Truly  your's,  B.  ALLEN." 

The  foregoing  extracts  are  made,  not  only  with  a  desire 
of  presenting  those  feelings  and  sentiments  which  in  the 
abstract  are  interesting,  but  also  of  illustrating  more  fully, 
various  circumstances  in  my  brother's  history. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

VIEW    OF  HIS    NEW    SCENE    OF   LABOUR    IN    PHILADELPHIA 

EXTRACTS  FROM  ONE  OF  HIS  FIRST  SERMONS. 

Mv  brother's  first  efibrts  in  his  new  sphere  of  labour  in  Phi- 
ladelphia, display  his  anxious  solicitude  under  the  weight 
of  responsibility  resting  upon  him ;  also  the  path,  which, 
through  Christ  strengthening  him,  he  was  determined  to 
pursue.  Sabbath  morning,  October  28th,  1821.  He  took 
as  the  text  of  his  first  sermon,  1  Corinthians,  ii.  2 : 
"  For  1  determined  not  to  know  any  thing  among  you,  save 
Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified.'''' — I  would  gladly  present 
some  extracts  from  this  sermon,  but  I  have  not  been  able  to 
find  it  among  his  manuscripts.  Having  thus  in  the  morn- 
ing been  directed  to  point  out  his  important  duties  in  con- 
nexion with  the  people,  in  the  afternoon  he  was  led  to 
enlarge  more  particularly  on  their  duties  towards  himself 
and  the  common  cause  of  the  Gospel  in  which  they  were 
engaged.  He  preached  from  1  Thessalonians,  v.  25 :  "  Bre- 
thren pray  for  us." 

In  the  introduction  he  observes — "  The  Apostle  Paul  was 
distinguished  for  every  thing  that  could  adorn  human  na- 
ture. His  mind  was  vigorous  and  active.  He  was  learned 
both  in  the  wisdom  of  the  Jews  and  of  the  Greeks.  He 
was  improved  by  an  intercourse  with  the  chief  men  of  his 
nation.  He  was  endowed  with  the  Spirit  from  on  high, 
which  sanctified  and  made  him  a  vessel  for  his  Master's 
use.  He  was  appointed  a  leader  in  the  Christian  host.  The 
power  of  working  miracles  was  dispensed  to  him.  The 
career  of  his  labour  was  a  career  of  triumph ;  idols  vanished 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  251 

before  him,  and  multitudes  hailed  him  as  their  spiritual 
father  :  he  was  even  honoured  with  an  admission  into  Hea- 
ven ;  still  we  hear  him  calling  on  the  Church  in  Thessalo- 
nica,  and  saying,  in  the  language  of  the  text,  'Brethren, 
pray  for  us.'  If  one,  who  thus  shone  in  all  the  glories  of 
human  attainment ;  who,  under  his  Divine  Lord,  occupied 
a  throne  in  the  Christian  Church,  made  such  a  request  at 
the  hands  of  his  brethren,  surely  it  becomes  a  minister  of 
the  Gospel  of  the  present  day,  when  no  miraculous  gifts 
are  allowed,  and  no  extraordinary  helps  are  dispensed  ;  and 
if  any  minister,  it  especially  becomes  him  who  now  ad- 
dresses you. 

"  As  I  wish  an  immediate,  as  well  as  perpetual  applica- 
tion and  improvement  of  the  subject  involved  in  the  text, 
I  shall  employ  the  time  allotted  in  laying  before  you  some 
arguments,  proving  it  both  your  duty  and  your  interest  to 
pray  for  your  minister. 

"  And  may  the  Holy  Spirit  so  be  to  me  a  mouth  and  wis- 
doni,  that  your  minds  may  be  convinced,  and  your  hearts 
engaged  in  the  work  toward  which  I  would  fain  direct 
them. 

"Ist.  Every  believer  has  an  interest  at  the  throne  of 
grace.  ***** 

"  2d.  Possessing  as  you  do  this  power,  how  can  you  ex- 
ercise it  with  more  prospect  of  usefulness,  than  in  prayinor 
for  the  minister  of  the  altar  ? 

"  Survey,  for  a  moment,  the  importance  of  his  office.  He 
is  an  ambassador  sent  to  negotiate  between  God  and  man. 
His  office  leads  him  to  unfold  to  immortal  souls  the  claims 
their  Maker  has  upon  them,  and  their  transgressions  against 
those  claims ;  to  publish  the  free,  full,  and  perfect  salva- 
tion provided  in  the  Gospel,  and  to  urge  by  all  that  is  ter- 
rible, and  all  that  is  tender,  the  importance  of  their  em- 
bracing  this  offisr  of  mercy.  He  stands  as  on  the  line  which 
separates  eternity  from  time,  to  arrest  the  attention  of  those 


252  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

who  are  rushing  like  a  flood  to  the  bar  of  judgment,  and  to 
jix  it  on  that  '  Lamb  of  God  which  taketh  away  the  sin  of 
the  world.'  ***** 

"  3d.  Not  only  is  the  office  of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel 
important;  the  duties  of  that  office  are  also  extremely 
arduous. 

"  It  is  not  merely  by  crying  aloud  and  sparing  not,  that 
a  minister  of  Jesus  is  to  win  souls,  but  by  reproving,  re- 
buking, exhorting,  labouring  in  word  and  doctrine,  studying 
to  show  himself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that  needeth 
not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth.  He 
is  so  to  form  and  fashion  his  whole  life,  his  studies,  and  his 
very  thoughts,  as  that  all  may  continually  invite  sinners  to 
the  cross.  ***** 

"  4th.  The  necessity  of  your  praying  for  me  is  enhanced, 
by  the  consideration  that  this  important  office,  and  these 
arduous  duties,  are  committed  to  a  frail  mortal  like  your- 
selves. 

"  Who  is  weak  and  I  am  not  weak  ?  Are  you  encompassed 
with  infirmity  ?  so  am  I.  Are  you  partakers  of  a  corrupt 
nature  ?  Do  you  find  reason  to  exclaim,  '  O  wretched  man 
that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  V 
so  have  I.  The  flesh  lusteth  against  the  Spirit,  the  house 
of  Saul  wareth  against  the  house  of  David,  as  constantly 
in  me  as  in  any  of  you  ;  and  satan  assaults  me  perhaps  more 
vigorously  than  he  does  any  of  you." — "  Surely  I  need  your 
prayers.  If  it  was  necessary  that  the  arm  of  Moses  should 
be  supported  by  Aaron  and  Hur,  much  more  is  it  necessary 
that  I  should  be  supported  by  your  united  supplications." 

"  5th.  Consider  farther,  the  consequences  that  must  arise 
from  any  want  of  faithfulness,  and  let  that  prevail  with  you, 
as  an  additional  reason  why  you  should  pray  'with  all 
prayer  and  supplication  in  the  spirit'  for  me. 

"  Consider  the  consequence  of  the  want  of  faithfulness 
to  my  own  soul."  *  *  *  * 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  253 

•'To  the  souls  of  others.  Those  under  my  care,  and 
who  were  to  have  been  aroused  through  my  labours,  will 
remain  asleep  in  their  sins." "  It  may  naturally  be  ex- 
pected, that  many  souls  which  might  have  been  saved,  will 
be  lost ;  that  the  blind  leading  the  blind,  all  will  fall  to- 
gether ;  that  the  presence  of  God  will  leave  our  assemblies, 
Ichabod  be  written  upon  our  altar,  and  instead  of  flourishing 
in  all  the  graces  of  the  Spirit,  and  sending  forth  an  incense 
acceptable  to  Heaven,  we  shall  be  a  valley  of  dry  bones, 
abominable  in  the  sight  of  both  God  and  man.  Oh  !  there 
is  not  a  greater  curse  can  be  given  to  a  congregation,  than 
a  faithless  minister ;  pray  therefore,  for  me,  I  beseech  you, 
that  this  curse  may  not  be  yours.         *         *         *         * 

"  God  can  work  through  the  weakest  instrument,  and  it 
does  please  him  to  work  through  the  officers  of  His  Church. 
You  may  then  hope,  if  I  be  found  true,  that  He,  in  his  infi- 
nite mercy,  will  condescend  to  make  the  word  in  my  mouth 
sharper  than  any  two-edged  sword  ;  that  He  will  build  up 
his  people  in  his  most  holy  faith,  that  he  will  wake  the 
slumberers  in  the  valley  of  death,  and  that  he  will  cause 
many  a  song  to  be  heard  in  Heaven  over  sinners  repenting 
within  these  walls.  If  I  am  enabled  to  make  full  proof  of 
my  ministry,  we  may  expect  that  He  will  be  present  to 
bless.  We  shall  all  have  seasons  of  sweet  communion,  not 
only  with  each  other,  but  also  with  him.  We  shall  be  mu- 
tual helpers  of  each  other's  joy  :  Hand  joining  in  hand,  in 
the  fellowship  of  the  Gospel,  we  shall  go  from  strength  to 
strength.  The  young  will  spring  up  around  us,  as  cedars 
planted  by  the  power  of  the  Most  High ;  they  will  advance 
in  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  ;  and  in  the  promise  of  their 
piety,  their  fathers  shall  perceive  a  pledge,  that  the  ark  of 
the  Lord  will  not  be  deserted  when  their  locks  are  in  the 
dust.  And  through  the  abounding  mercy  of  Him  who  is 
our  strength,  we  may  hope  that  the  last  glance  of  our  dying 
eye  will  be  upon  a  Church  flourishing  in  all  the  fruits  of 
the  Spirit,  and  that,  entering  the  eternal  world,  we  shall 


254  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

meet  before  the  throne,  to  unite  our  thanksgivings  to  Him 
who  put  it  in  your  hearts  to  pray  and  enabled  me  to  labour. 

"If  then,  beloved,  you  desire  the  prosperity  of  your  own 
souls,  or  the  safety  of  mine ;  if  you  wish  our  Zion  to  look 
abroad  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as  the  sun,  crowned  with 
the  presence  and  blessing  of  her  God,  let  me  entreat  you 
to  pray  for  your  minister.  I  am  importunate  on  this  sub- 
ject, because  it  is  a  subject  I  feel.  I  know  that  all  my 
usefulness  among  you  will  depend  entirely  on  the  blessing 
of  the  Almighty  ;  and  I  know  that  for  this  blessing  he  will 
be  inquired  of.  I  would  fain,  therefore,  league  your  sup- 
plications with  mine,  that  the  windows  of  Heaven  may 
be  opened  and  such  a  measure  of  grace  may  be  poured 
forth  as  shall  cause  a  rejoicing  throughout  our  whole  land. 

"  I  have  chosen  to  present  this  topic  thus  early  to  your 

attention,  because  it  is  one  of  perpetual  importance." 

"  Let  me  then  hope,  that  when  you  bow  the  knee  for  your- 
selves, you  will  remember  him  who  serves  at  your  altar ; 
that  when  you  enter  your  closets  and  pray  to  your  Father 
who  is  in  Heaven,  and  when  in  the  midst  of  your  families 
you  prostrate  yourselves  with  your  little  ones  and  servants 
around  you,  and  when  you  approach  these  courts  to  mingle 
in  the  great  congregation,  you  will  entreat  for  him  who  is 
to  give  an  account  of  your  souls.  Let  me  enjoy  this  inter- 
cession, and  I  shall  enter  upon  my  labours  with  confidence  ; 
I  shall  feel  that  the  Lord  God  is  already  with  me,  and  the 
strength  of  a  host  is  around  me. 

"  To  please  you  all,  beloved  hearers,  1  do  not  expect :  if 
I  can  be  the  means  of  saving  your  souls,  it  is  the  utmost  of 
my  desire. 

"  May  the  Spirit  of  the  Most  High,  so  assist  you  to  pray 
for  me,  and  me  to  labour,  that  after  the  short  term  of  our 
pilgrimage  is  over,  I  may  be  enabled  to  present  you  fault- 
less before  the  throne,  with  exceeding  joy  :  And  to  God 
the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
the  praise,  the  honour,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.  Amen.'''' 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  255 

The  above  extracts  gratefully  unfold  the  views  and  feel- 
ings of  my  brother  at  the  beginning  of  his  arduous  duties. 
And  there  are  those  who  can  testify  with  what  untiring 
devotion  he  held  on  his  course  to  the  end ;  from  labour  to 
labour,  from  strength  to  strength,  and  from  glory  to  glory, 
even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord. 

His  aged  predecessor,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Pilmore,  D.  D., 
had  served  the  people  of  St.  Paul's  through  a  long  and 
laborious  ministry.  But  he  was  subject  to  such  infirmities 
during  the  last  years  of  his  pilgrimage,  as  to  interfere  much 
with  his  usefulness.  My  brother,  therefore,  in  taking 
charge  of  the  Church,  found  her  spiritual  concerns  in  a 
disorganized  state  ;  they  were,  in  fact,  in  some  respects,  as 
sheep  without  a  shepherd.  His  first  object  was  to  ascer- 
tain who  were  his  people,  what  their  character,  and  the 
peculiarity  of  their  wants.  He  then  made  such  arrange- 
ments, and  formed  such  plans,  as  were  designed  to  bring 
them  under  the  most  advantageous  course  of  instruction, 
and  insure  the  greatest  success  to  his  ministry.  His  early 
attention  was  directed  to  the  instruction  of  the  rising  gene- 
ration. He  displayed  peculiar  interest  in  the  catechising 
of  the  children,  the  directing  of  Sunday-schools,  and  Bible- 
classes  for  those  more  advanced.  Two  Sunday-schools 
were  in  existence  when  he  took  charge  of  the  Church,  and 
he  afterwards  organized  nine  new  Schools  and  Bible-classes. 
Thus  he  had  eleven  of  these  interesting  nurseries  of  piety 
under  his  charge. 

The  coloured  portion  of  his  community  were  not  forgot- 
ten. He  introduced  a  new  mode  of  imparting  instruction 
to  those  adults  who  could  not  read.  By  the  means  of 
a  small  work,  entitled,  "  Prime  Truths,''''  he  endeavoured 
to  impress,  by  simple  questions  and  answers,  the  prominent 
doctrines  and  duties  of  the  Gospel  upon  their  minds  and 
hearts.  And  these  questions  and  answers,  often  repeated, 
were  made  the  instruments  of  benefitting,  yea,  converting 


256  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

many  precious  souls.  One  of  the  scholars,  who  was  forty 
or  fifty  years  of  age,  after  being  savingly  benefitted,  carried 
the  Gospel  home  to  the  family  in  which  she  lived  as  a 
hireling.  They  were  Universalist  in  sentiment,  and  by 
means  of  the  humble  eiforts  of  their  servant,  an  entire 
change  was  effected  in  their  movements  on  the  subject  of 
religion. 

There  was  considerable  difficulty  in  obtaining  suitable 
accommodation  for  the  coloured  schools.  He,  therefore, 
set  in  motion  a  plan  which  resulted  in  the  purchase  of  a 
three-story  house  in  Pear  street.  A  part  of  this  house  is 
to  this  day  occupied  by  those  schools  on  the  Sabbath,  and 
the  first  story  by  a  white  male  school. 

Throughout  his  course  he  was  unwearied  in  his  efforts  to 
instruct  the  ignorant,  and  meliorate  the  condition  of  every 
class  around  him,  and  especially  to  lead  them  to  lay  hold 
on  holiness  and  Heaven.  The  six  days  were  occupied  in 
preparation  for  duty  ;  attending  to  the  general  concerns  of 
the  people  ;  and  in  labours  in  connexion  with  Bible-classes, 
public  lectures,  and  prayer-meetings.  And  on  the  Sab- 
bath, a  part  of  the  time,  he  preached  morning,  afternoon, 
and  night,  and  between  the  services,  he  assembled  the 
children  around  the  altar  for  catechetical  instruction,  and 
enlisted  their  attention  by  interesting  remarks  and  familiar 
illustrations :  also,  he  visited  one  or  more  of  his  Sunday- 
schools,  as  he  found  himself  able  ;  and  his  invariable  prac- 
tice was  to  engage  in  exhortation  and  prayer  with  each  of 
the  schools  visited.  He  gained  the  affections  of  the  chil- 
dren and  youth,  and  his  presence  was  gratefully  welcomed 
by  them. 

Another  interesting  plan,  which  he  first  introduced  to 
the  children  of  Sunday-schools,  was  the  illustration  of 
Scripture  by  means  of  the  magic  lantern.  This  happily 
combined  amusement  and  instruction.  He  found  this  plan 
so  well  adapted  to  instruction,  that  he  introduced  it  in  his 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  257 

lectures  to  persons  more  advanced ;  and  finally  he  deli- 
vered courses  of  lectures,  in  connexion  with  the  lantern, 
on  the  subject  of  history  and  astronomy. 

In  his  epistles  to  myself,  he  gives  a  hasty  view  of  his 
interesting  field  of  labour. 

He  writes —      "Philadelphia,  January  24th,  1822. 

"  Dear  Thomas : — You  have  no  idea  of  my  numerous 
avocations,  or  you  would  not  be  surprised  at  not  hearing 
from  me.  It  would,  however,  afford  me  much  pleasure  to 
receive  a  letter  from  you.  With  Bible-classes,  lectures, 
prayer-meetings  and  three  services  in  the  Church  on  Sun- 
day, my  time  is  perfectly  engrossed.  May  the  Lord  direct 
me  in  my  arduous  field  of  duty  ;  and  enable  me  to  be  the 
means  of  winning  souls  from  satan. 

"  We  are  comfortably  settled  in  a  house  at  the  corner  of 
Fourth  and  Pine  Streets,  where  please  direct  your  letters. 
I  hope  we  may  see  you  here  next  spring  or  summer. 

"  My  people  are  numerous  and  attentive.  There  are 
many  praying  souls  among  them,  which  is  a  most  encourag- 
ing circumstance. 

"  Harriot  has  been  very  sick,  but  is  now  as  usual.  Three 
of  the  children  sick  also,  but  now  well." 

Again —  "February  16th. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — Mr.  Nash  arrived  before  your  letter." 
-"  My  labours  are  indeed  most  laborious,  and  though  I 


have  yet  no  ripened  evidence,  I  cannot  but  hope  the 
Almighty  will  be  pleased  to  bless  them.  A  Bible-class  of 
ladies,  in  number  one  hundred  ;  a  class  of  young  men,  half 
that  number,  with  hope  of  increase. 

"  I  hope  you  and  Margaret  will  come  on  next  Spring, 
and  you  will  take  part  in  my  labours.  There  is  much  to 
do  here  ;  and  I  should  be  glad  to  labour  with  you,  from 
place  to  place,  by  night  and  by  day,  for  at  least  a  fortnight. 
I  wish  you  to  go  the  rounds." 

z 


258  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Again —  "  April  30th. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — It  would  afford  me  much  pleasure  to 
see  you  and  your  little  family  here,  and  would  probably  be 
advantageous  to  the  health  of  all.  Why  can  you  not 
arrange  to  pay  us  a  visit  ?  Bring  a  good  stock  of  sermons 
whenever  you  come,  and  calculate  on  hard  work,  for  souls 
are  precious  every  where.  The  northern  climate  will  ena- 
ble you  to  work  harder  without  injury." "  My  labours 

are  great  and  are  not  without  a  blessing.  May  the  Lord  in 
infinite  mercy  increase  the  blessing.  Oh,  for  an  outpour- 
ing of  his  blessed  Spirit !  May  you  be  encouraged  to 
labour  on,  and  pray  fervently,  and  may  the  best  blessings 
attend  you  all.     Let  me  know  when  to  expect  you. 

"  Truly,  your's,  B.  ALLEN. 

Relative  to  his  Bible-class,  one  of  his  clerical  brethren 
writes  to  him — 

"  New-Haven,  March  8th. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother : — I  rejoice  to  hear  of  the  adop- 
tion of  any  expedient  which  may  increase  religious  know- 
ledge, or  promote  the  piety  of  our  people.  And  although 
your  scheme  for  managing  your  Bible-class  may  be  '  rather 
novel,'  I  see  no  reason  to  doubt  its  beneficial  effects.  My 
classes  of  this  description  will  not  be  organized  until  late 
in  Spring.  I  now  lecture  on  Sunday,  Tuesday,  and  Friday 
evenings — make  pastoral  visits  on  Wednesday  and  Thurs- 
day evenings,  that  is,  meet  a  few  neighbours  assembled  in  a 
private  house  in  any  part  of  the  parish  for  religious  conver- 
sation and  prayer — and  Monday  evenings,  I  wait  in  my 
study  for  the  calls  of  young  people  and  others. 

"Most  ardently,  my  good  brother,  do  I  reciprocate  your 
prayers  for  blessings  on  all  your  exertions,  and  for  strength 
to  enable  you  to  pursue  your  benevolent  plans.  It  is 
encouraging  to  labour,  when  we  know  in  whom  we  trust  for 
support  and  consolation." "  Remember  me   affection- 


REV.  BENJAMIN"  ALLEN.  259 

ately  to  your  family  and  all  friends." — "  Believe  me  to  be, 
with  sincerity  and  truth,  your  friend  and  brother, 

H.  CROSWELL." 

My  brother  promoted  the  formation  of  libraries  in  con- 
nexion with  all  his  Sunday-schools  and  Bible-classes.  In 
fact,  he  contributed  largely  from  his  own  funds  to  these 
olgects. 

He  soon  received  grateful  testimony  of  the  usefulness  of 
his  Bible-class  labours.  The  following  was  addressed  to 
him — 

"  Philadelphia,  December  25th,  1822. 

"  With  the  liveliest  sensations  of  respect  and  affection, 
the  Female  Bible  Class  present  to  their  beloved  patron 
on  this  happy  morning,  their  united  wishes  for  his  con- 
tinued health  and  happiness.  Accept,  dear  Sir,  our  sincere 
desires,  that  this  may  be  to  you  and  your's,  a  happy  Christ- 
mas ;  that  He,  in  whose  cause  you  are  so  actively  enagaged, 
may  be  especially  near  to  you  on  this  day :  and  while  you 
are  endeavouring  to  lead  others  to  the  Saviour,  may  you  be 
abundantly  supported  by  his  Almighty  arm. 

"  We  know  not  how  to  convey  to  you  a  just  idea  of  the 
gratitude  we  feel  for  your  unwearied  exertions  in  our 
behalf  during  the  last  year :  but  fervently  hope,  that  in  the 
future  lives  of  the  members  of  this  class,  you  will  reap  a 
richer  satisfaction  than  you  could  possibly  derive  from  pre- 
sent assurances :  and  that  you  and  we  will  have  cause  to 
rejoice  throughout  eternity  in  the  exertions  you  have  made 
here  ;  and  although  we  have  great  cause  to  regret  that  you 
have  not  seen  more  fruit  from  this  your  labour  of  love,  we 
feel  encouraged  to  believe,  that  there  has  been  excited  in 
many  minds  the  anxious  inquiry  of  '  What  shall  we  do  to 
be  saved  V  and  that  ere  long,  you  will  be  convinced  that,  in 
this  class,  you  have  indeed  been  made  wise  in  winning 
souls  to  Christ, 


260  MEMOlll  OF  THE 

"  As  a  small  tribute  of  our  grateful  affection  to  you,  dear 
Sir,  we  have  waited  on  the  Treasurer  of  the  Missionary 
Society,  to  have  your  name  enrolled  as  Patron  of  the  same. 
The  deep  interest  you  take  in  this  cause,  bids  us  hope  that 
this  will  be  acceptable ;  and  we  sincerely  wish,  that  the 
rich  privileges  we  enjoy,  may  expand  our  hearts,  and  teach 
us  to  feel  for  the  destitute  situation  of  those  who  do  not 
possess  the  same.  And  may  you,  our  beloved  friend  and 
Patron,  hereafter  find,  that,  in  this  Class,  there  have  been 
many  daughters  who  have  done  virtuously  ;  many  who  have 
by  their  prayers,  their  alms,  and  their  exertions,  contri- 
buted to  the  spread  of  that  Gospel,  which  maketh  wise 
unto  salvation.  CORNELIA  COOPER, 

For  Female  Bible  Class." 

On  the  back  of  the  foregoing,  I  find  endorsed,  in  my 
brother's  own  hand,  this  sentence, — "  The  Lord  bless 
them." 

He  gave  the  following  answer : — 

"To  the  members  of  the  Female  Bible  Class  of  St.  Paul's 
Church." 

"  My  Dear  young  Friends : — You  have  enrolled  me  a 
Director  for  life,  of  the  Missionary  Society  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church.  For  selecting  this  mode  of  conveying 
an  assurance  of  your  esteem,  I  pray  you  to  receive  my  most 
unfeigned  thanks.  The  cause  of  our  Divine  Redeemer  is 
rapidly  traversing  the  globe,  and  the  song  which  testifies 
his  triumph,  is  wafted  by  every  breeze  ;  glorious,  therefore, 
is  the  privilege  of  following  in  the  train  of  His  conquests, 
and  guiding  the  operation  of  those  means  which  He  has 
promised  to  bless. 

"  Permit  me,  in  that  spirit  of  sincere  affection  which  you 
believe  me  to  possess,  to  accompany  this  expression  of  my 
thanks,  with  a  few  thoughts  which  flow  from  a  desire  per- 
haps too  exuberant,  to  promote  your  welfare. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  861 

"  Young  and  immortal,  your  situation  is  full  of  interest 
and  full  of  danger.  The  tints  of  the  gay  scene  around, 
like  those  of  a  rich  garden  glancing  to  the  sun  ;  your  hearts 
ingenuous  and  tender,  is  it  surprising  that  even  angels 
should  contemplate  your  situation  with  an.xigty,  and  God 
himself  should  condescend  to  counsel  you? 

"  There  are  two  paths,  the  one  leading  to  eternal  wo, 
the  other  to  eternal  joy.  Around  the  entrance  of  the  for- 
mer, are  a  thousand  flatterers ;  around  the  entrance  of  the 
latter,  are  a  few  ministers  of  Christ,  and  a  minority  com- 
posed of  those  who  are  regarded  as  antiquated,  and,  by 
some,  as  melancholy : — Oh !  then,  where  will  you  spend 
your  eternity  ? — My  soul  asks  you.  I  see  you  in  the  crisis 
of  your  fate — my  heart  yearns  over  you  : — where  will  your 
choice  decide  1 — Do  you  with  any  satisfaction  listen  to 
advice  ? — In  the  name  of  the  Lord  I  serve,  let  me  hasten  to 
beseech  you — 

"  First : — To  examine  most  carefully  into  the  question, 
'  Have  I  made  my  peace  with  God  ?'  On  this  one  object  of 
inquiry  rests  your  everlasting  all.  The  precedence  of  po- 
lite life ;  the  respect  of  talent  and  of  wealth ;  the  bow  of 
fleeting  admiration ;  these  are  as  motes  that  float  in  the 
noon  of  day,  when  put  in  competition.  Death  has  you  in 
reversion  ;  the  grave  'will  soon  enfold  you  ;  mouldering  in 
the  silence  of  decay,  your  bodies  soon  shall  sleep :  and 
everlasting/ — its  concerns  ! — its  interests ! — are  they  not 
infinite  ?  By  the  agony  and  bloody  sweat  of  Jesus ;  by  the 
cross  and  passion ;  by  the  precious  death  and  burial ;  by 
the  glorious  resurrection  and  ascension,  I  entreat  you,  ask 
in  the  secret  of  the  heart  this  question,  *  Have  I  made  my 
peace  with  God  V 

"  Second : — If  this  be  answered  satisfactorily — and  that 
it  may  be,  may  the  Holy  Ghost  transform  you ;  cultivate  a 
continual  communion  with  the  Father  of  your  spirits,  through 
the  ledeeming  Mediator.     There  are  trials  of  your  faith  ; 

z2 


262  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

there  are  temptations  ever  active  ;  there  is  a  dark  cloud  of 
adversity  which  often  lowers  :  the  fairest  hopes  are  fleeting, 
and  the  brightest  prospects  dust;  the  grace  of  your  God 
will  be  an  unfailing  source  of  strength,  and  of  joy.  Pos- 
sessing that,  though  affliction  come,  frequent  and  heavy ; 
though  temptations  plead  powerful  and  insinuating,  you 
shall  be  enabled  to  press  steadily  on  to  the  prize  of  the 
high  calling,  and  to  possess  in  your  hearts  the  peace  of 
God. 

"  Third: — As  aids  in  keeping  alive  this  communion, 
permit  me  to  recommend  to  you,  daily  self-examination  ; 
daily  reading  of  the  sacred  page  ;  constant  and  fixed  attend- 
ance on  the  ministrations  of  the  sanctuary.  These,  united 
to  social  converse  with  the  truly  pious,  and  cheerful  activity 
in  doing  good — a  most  powerful  means  of  grace — you  may 
hope,  will  prove  channels  through  which  the  sanctifying 
influences  of  the  Comforter  will  descend,  like  rain  on  the 
mown  grass ;  like  showers  that  watereth  the  earth. 

"  May  the  Lord  have  you  in  His  holy  keeping.  May 
you  be  so  sanctified  that  your  minds  may  be  always  disposed 
to  substantial  improvement.  May  your  path  be  that  of  the 
just.  And  after  being  guided  by  the  counsel  of  Jehovah ; 
comforts  to  your  parents,  blessings  to  society,  ornaments 
to  the  house  of  God  ; — may  you,  washed  in  the  blood  of 
Christ,  and  renewed  by  the  adorable  Spirit,  rise  to  the  un- 
fading inheritance,  where  the  ages  of  everlasting  may  roll 
over  you  in  light. 

"  For  myself,  I  ask  the  continuance  of  your  prayers. 

■•*  To  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy 
Ghost,  three  persons  and  one  Jehovah,  he  rendered  the  same 
honour  upon  earth  that  is  rendered  in  Heaven,  and  during 
the  progress  of  time  that  there  shall  be  throughout  eternity, 

B.  ALLEN. 

"Philadelphia,  January,  1823." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  263 

I  also  annex  a  similar  testimony  from  the  same  class. 

"  January  1st,  1824. 

"  To  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church,  from  whom  descends 
every  blessing,  the  Female  Bible  Class  of  Philadelphia 
return  their  grateful  thanks  for  his  preservation  of  the  life 
and  health  of  their  valued  friend  and  instructor ;  and  beg 
you,  dear  Sir,  to  accept  their  wishes,  that  this  may  be  to 
you  a  happy  new-year, 

"For  your  continued  exertions  in  their  behalf,  they  ten- 
der you  their  grateful  acknowledgments,  and  fervently  hope, 
that  in  those  realms  of  bliss  to  which  you  so  earnestly  direct 
their  attention,  you  will  receive  the  rich  reward  of  all  your 
labour  of  love,  and  be  enabled  to  present^at  the  throne  of 
the  Most  High,  many  precious  souls  of  this  class,  which 
shall  have  been  given  you  as  seals  of  your  ministry. 

"  The  ardent  zeal  you  manifest  in  the  cause  of  the  Jews, 
has  induced  them  to  obtain  for  you,  a  life  membership  in 
the  Society  for  the  melioration  of  their  condition ;  they 
respectfully  request  your  acceptance  of  this  small  tribute 
of  their  affection  and  respect,  with  their  united  prayers  for 
your  present  and  eternal  happiness 

CORNELIA  COOPER, 
For  Female  Bible  Class." 

To  show  the  interesting  manner  in  which  the  class  di- 
rected  his  attention  to  particular  points,  and  thus  elicited 
his  instruction,  I  give  the  following  note,  which  was  directed 
to  him. 

"Dear  Sir — It  is  the  wish  of  a  great  number  of  the 
members  of  your  class,  that  you  would  be  so  kind  as  to 
explain  to  them  that  passage  in  Scripture  which  says,  '  in 
my  Father's  house  there  are  many  mansions.' 
"  With  sentiments  of  respect, 

"AN  OLD  MEMBER." 

The  ladies  of  his  Church  also,  by  the  contribution  of 


264  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

thirty  dollars,  made  my  brother  a  life-member  of  the  Ame- 
rican Bible  Society,  as  appears  from  the  certificate,  dated 
May  9th,  1822. 

Though  his  hours  appeared  so  well  filled  with  the  most 
important  concerns,  he  still  found  time  to  extend  his  fos- 
tering care  to  some  of  those  precious  souls  he  had  left  in  a 
former  field  of  labour.  And  his  heart  must  have  been  much 
encouraged  by  the  renewed  testimony  which  he  received 
of  the  happy  influence  of  his  former  zeal  and  devotion,  as 
well  as  his  present  labours. 

One  of  his  old  parishioners  wrote  to  him — 

"January  10th,  1822. 
"  My  dear  Friend's  letter  was  joyfully  received,  opened, 

and  read  by  me  ;  it  was  very  consoling." "  I  trust  while 

this  heart  continues  to  beat,  it  will  feel  a  warm  desire  for 
the  prosperity  of  yourself  and  family.  And  while  this 
tongue  can  speak,  it  will  be  the  business  and  pleasure  of 
my  life,  to  recount  the  many  useful  lessons  which  you  have 
given  me,  and  to  endeavour  to  promote  the  growth  and  es- 
tablishment in  the  grace  of  my  God  and  Saviour ;  that  Sa- 
viour which  you  were  the  instrument  of  leading  me  to,  and 
which  I  delight  to  tell  you,  I  consider  the  chiefest  among 
ten  thousand,  and  altogether  lovely.  The  more  I  am  en- 
gaged in  the  service  of  my  Lord,  the  more  beauties  and 
loveliness  I  discover  in  the  delightful  employment.  May 
the  best  of  blessings,  both  temporal  and  spiritual,  attend 
you,  is  th3  prayer  of  your  sorrowful  friend, 

»N.  N.  H." 
Another  writes  to  him  on  the  same  day — 
"Rev.  Sir: — I  received  your  affectionate  letter  some 
time  since,  and  feel  thankful  to  you,  for  the  excellent  and 
consoling  advice  it  contained  ;  and  I  hope  it  may  be  pro- 
fitable, not  only  to  me,  but  to  all  the  family.  1  was  very 
sorry  to  hear,  my  worthy  and  much  esteemed  friend,  that 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  265 

you  and  your  family  had  been  so  severely  afflicted.  How 
did  you  feel  under  the  prospect  of  a  separation  from  one  or 
more  of  your  family  ?  Did  you  say  to  your  Heavenly  Father, 
if  it  he  possible  let  this  cup  pass  from  me  ?  or  rather,  were 
you  enabled  by  grace  to  say,  even  so  Father,  if  it  seemeth 
good  in  thy  sight  ?  If  so,  how  highly  favoured  art  thou. 
"  Your's  sincerely,  A.  B." 

Again—  "  November  17th,  1822. 

"  Rev.  Sir  : — Being  prevented  this  day,  by  indisposition, 
from  attending  the  public  means  of  grace,  and  showing  to 
the  world  that  I  am  not  ashamed  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus 
Christ,  by  commemorating  his  death  and  sufferings  in  the 
sanctuary  ;  I  thought  I  could  spend  a  few  moments  in  a 
profitable  manner,  by  writing  to  a  friend,  whom  I  have 
every  reason  to  believe  has  our  welfare  at  heart. 

"  We  frequently  hpar  from  you,  in  an  indirect  way,  and 
always  understand  that  you  are  the  same  indefatigable, 
industrious  minister  of  the  Gospel ;  building  Churches,  and 
are  instant,  in  season  and  out  of  season,  inviting  sinners 
to  come  and  take  of  the  water  of  life  freely.  That  you 
may  be  the  means  of  bringing  many  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  truth,  is  my  sincere  prayer.  I  should  be  much  gratified 
to  hear  from  you  when  you  have  time  to  write,  but  cannot 
expect  it  often,  as  you  have  so  much  to  attend  to.  Please 
present  my  affectionate  regard  to  Mrs.  Allen.  I  remain 
your  sincere  friend,  A.  B." 

Another  individual  writes  to  him — 

"  March  12th. 

"  My  esteemed  and  Dear  Friend  : — Perhaps  I  might  find 
instruction  and  comfort  from  conversation  with  others ;  you 
were  the  means  under  God  of  first  awakening  me  to  a  sense 
of  the  value  of  my  soul — and  to  you,  on  those  occasions, 
my  thoughts  constantly  recur.  M.  H.  S." 


266  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Another  observes — 

"  I  am  thankful  to  God  that  I  met  with  such  a  friend 
as  you.  M.  H." 

A  third  writes — 

"Gloster  County,  Virginia,  May  18th. 

"  My  Friend  and  Brother  : — 1  wish  much  to  communi- 
cate freely  with  you  concerning  my  spiritual  warfare.  Oh  ! 
it  is  a  great  blessing  to  have  a  brother  in  Christ  to  help  me 
on  in  my  Christian  course.  I  shall  be  so  strengthened  by 
your  advice,  as  well  as  edified.  My  Jesus,  Master,  is  ever 
present  with  me,  and  very  precious  to  my  soul,  but  yet  we 
must  bear  each  other's  burdens.  I  was,  from  a  selfish 
motive,  somewhat  grieved  to  hear  you  had  left  this  State. 
I  hoped,  while  labouring  in  our  part  of  our  Lord's  vineyard, 
I  might  be  blest  with  meeting  you,  but  have  now  given  up 
all  thoughts  of  it.  But  blessed  be  God,  we  shall,  I  hope, 
meet  in  our  Heavenly  Father's  Kingdom,  where  we  shall 
sing  hallelujah  to  God  and  the  Lamb,  that  sitteth  upon  the 
throne  for  ever  and  ever.  At  this  very  time  twelve  months, 
I  was  sitting  under  your  preaching,  and  felt  much  spiritual 
happiness.  Oh,  that  was  a  glorious  season !  1  wish  I  could 
partake  of  the  droppings  of  the  Sanctuary  at  this  time. 

E.  P." 

The  following  extracts  are  from  his  clerical  brethren — 

"August  24th,  1822. 

"  I  hope  you  will  find  it  convenient  ere  long  to  visit  that 
part  of  the  country  in  which  your  labours  were  so  much 
blessed,  and  where  there  are  so  many  Churches,  monu- 
ments of  your  zeal." 

The  same  person  again  writes  to  him — 

"March  4th,  1823. 
"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : — Knowing  with  what  great  suc- 
cess, by  the  grace  of  God,  you  laboured  in  Jefferson  and 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  267 

Berkeley,  for  the  advancement  of  religion  and  our  Church, 
I  have  thought  that  you  might,  by  epistle,  give  me  such 
advice  in  divers  matters  connected  vt^ith  the  discharge  of 
my  duties,  as  vi^ould  prove  to  me  of  considerable  advantage. 
"  That  the  Lord  may  bless  your  labours,  and  make  you 
eminently  useful  in  your  present  situation,  is  the  prayer  of 
your  brother  in  the  ministry, 

CHARLES  H.  PAGE." 

Relative  to  the  Missionary  Society,  which  he  laboured  so 
much  to  promote  in  Virginia,  he  receives  the  following — 

"Winchester,  November  14th,  1822. 
"Dear  Brother : — I  must  tell  you  the  good  news  of  our 
little  valley  Missionary  Society.  Mr.  Page  has  been  to  the 
western  part  of  the  State,  under  its  auspices,  for  three 
months.  During  this  time,  he  travelled  about  eighteen 
hundred  miles,  preached  about  eighty  times,  and  baptized 

about  fifty  children." "  The  statements  were  made  at 

our  late  Association,  where  attended  brothers  Smith, 
Meade,  Bryan,  Lippitt,  and  Page.  A  part  of  the  services 
were  at  Mill  Creek,  where  you  continue  to  be  affectionately 
remembered.  Indeed,  the  monuments  you  have  left  in  all 
this   part   of   the  country   will   effectually   prevent   your 

memory  from  speedily  fading." "  Believe  me  sincerely 

your  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

J.  J.  ROBERTSON." 

His  successor  in  Virginia  writes — 

"October  11th. 

"  Dear  Brother  : — As  I  fail  in  supplying  your  place  in  all 
respects,  so  do  I  especially,  I  fear,  in  a  want  of  active  exer- 
tion in  the  promotion  of  Societies  and  public  Institutions. 

BENJ'N.  B.  SMITH." 


268  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

Another  brother  writes —  "  December  2d. 

"  It  gives  me  pleasure,  my  dear  brother,  to  see  that  you 
are  not  wearied  with  well  doing.  I  see  you  very  plainly  in 
many  of  the  operations  now  going  on  in  Philadelphia.  May 
God  prosper  you  in  every  thing,  is  the  prayer  of  your  friend 
and  brother,  WILLIAM  MEADE." 

"  New-Yoek,  March  2d,  1822. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : — I  am  very  happy  to  hear,  from 
more  quarters  than  one,  of  your  good  prospects  in  St. 
Paul's,  and  pray  God  that  the  blossomings  of  which  you 
speak,  may  result  in  much  good  fruit. 

"  New  Churches,  you  say,  are  contemplated — I  rejoice  to 
hear  it,  and  wish  they  may  be  instrumental  in  promoting 

the  cause  of  vital  religion.^'' "  God  grant  that  you  may 

all  be  richly  rewarded  in  the  fruits  of  a  faithful  ministry 
here,  and  in  the  blessedness  of  his  kingdom  of  glory 
hereafter. 

Your's,  affectionately, 

J.  MILNOR." 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


HE  PUBLISHES   A    VOLUME  OP  SERMONS LIVING  MANNERS — 

SECOND  AND  THIRD  EDITION  OF  THE  REFORMATION^ALSO 
THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  CHURCH  : EXTRACTS. 


My  brother  appeared  to  be  truly  anxious  that  no  means 
should  be  left  untried  for  the  promotion  of  the  benefit  of 
those  around  him.  Soon  after  his  settlement  in  Philadel- 
phia, we  find  him  frequently  resorting  to  the  press,  that 
powerful  instrument  of  good.  And  when  we  consider  the 
multiplicity  of  his  other  engagements — the  overwhelming 
concerns  continually  crowding  upon  his  path,  it  is  indeed 
matter  of  astonishment  that  so  many  volumes  should  be 
given  by  him  to  the  public,  within  a  few  years. 

An  individual  having  imbibed  very  erroneous  sentiments 
on  the  subject  of  the  Trinity,  my  brother  laboured  much  to 
convince  him  of  his  error.  His  mind,  thus  especially 
directed  to  that  important  subject,  he  was  induced  to 
deliver  a  course  of  sermons  to  his  people.  These  he  after- 
wards presented  to  the  public  in  a  duodecimo  volume  of 
one  hundred  and  twenty  pages,  under  the  following  title — 

'^^  Jesus  Christ  and  Him  Crucified;  being  a  view  of  the 
Trinity,  the  Divinity  of  Christ,  the  Atonement,  and  the 
character  and  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  together  with 
references  to  the  great  body  of  texts  used  by  Magee,  Simp- 
son, and  Jones.  By  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Rector  of 
St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadelphia." 
A  a 


270  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

In  the  preface,  he  observes — 

"  This  tract,  for  it  is  no  more,  is  not  designed  for  those 
who  have  leisure  and  ability  to  search  larger  volumes.  It 
is  merely  intended  as  an  aid  to  the  humble  believer,  who 
wishes  to  know  what  are  the  plain  words  of  the  Bible  con- 
cerning Him  in  whom  it  is  his  delight  to  trust. 

"  Men  of  study  may  find  the  references,  which  are  sub- 
joined, convenient,  inasmuch  as  they  point  out  nearly  all 
the  texts  used  by  Magee,  Simpson,  Jones,  and  others,  in 
discussing  the  essential  truths  treated  of  in  this  little 
Manual. 

"  May  the  Spirit  of  the  Most  High  descend  upon  all  who 
read. 

"Philadelphia,  December,  1822." 

The  following  extracts,  I  trust,  will  prove  acceptable. 
At  the  head  of  the  first  discourse  he  has  this  text — 

"  '  Nay,  hut  O  man  who  art  thou  that  repliest  against 
God  V     Rom.  ix.  20. 

"  There  is  a  disposition  in  man  to  cavil  at  every  thing 
that  opposes  his  darling  lusts  ;  hence  the  difficulty  in 
receiving  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity.  Those  who  believe 
that  God  was  incarnate  as  an  atonement  for  sin,  must 
believe  that  sin  is  awfully  malignant  in  its  nature,  and,  by 
consequence,  that  they  themselves  are  utterly  vile.  Those 
who  believe  it  necessary  that  God,  as  a  Spirit,  should 
renew  our  natures,  must  believe  that  they  are  altogether 
depraved  :  and  there  are  no  two  points  of  belief  more 
humbling  to  the  pride  of  the  heart,  or  more  opposed  to  the 
indulgence  of  transgression.  It  is,  therefore,  not  at  all  sur- 
prising that  some,  rather  than  bow  themselves  in  the  dust, 
with  the  patriarch  Job,  and  the  prophet  Daniel,  rise  up  in 
their  loftiness,  and  deny  the  Divinity  of  the  Redeemer  and 
the  Sanctifier. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  271 

"  They  do  not  reject  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity  be- 
cause it  is  mysterious,  for  whatever  is  not  disagreeable  to 
their  carnal  speculations,  they  cheerfully  receive :  as  for 
instance,  the  connexion  between  the  human  body  and 
the  human  soul ;  it  is  utterly  inexplicable — they  can- 
not comprehend  it,  yet  they  receive  it.  They  do  not 
know  what  gravitation  is,  though  they  believe  in  it :  They 
cannot  find  out  the  seat  of  thought,  though  they  are  sure  of 
its  existence.  A  blade  of  grass  will  puzzle  them,  despite 
all  their  philosophy :  and,  indeed,  they  receive  many 
things  far  more  difficult  of  comprehension  than  the  doctrine 
of  the  Trinity.  A  perfect  Unity  is,  itself,  more  incom- 
prehensible, than  a  Trinity  of  persons  in  the  Unity  of 
essence."  ***** 

The  text  of  his  second  discourse  is — 

"  '  Who  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  it  not  rob- 
bery to  be  equal  with  God :  But  made  himself  of  no 
reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant,  and 
was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men.''     Phil.  ii.  6-7. 

"  The  great  truth  contained  in  the  text,  is  the  rock  of  all 
our  hopes.  It  is  the  fountain  whence  flow  the  streams  of 
the  waters  of  life  to  make  glad  our  wilderness.  The  fact 
that  there  is  a  God,  who  is  the  creator  and  judge  of  all 
things,  is  calculated  to  give  comfort  to  holy  beings  ;  but  to 
us,  who  are  transgressors,  the  mere  annunciation  of  it  is  a 
revelation  of  terror.  We  cannot  look  on  the  Eternal  One 
without  seeing  his  justice  arrayed  against  us.  The  greater 
his  glory,  the  more  are  we  overwhelmed.  We  need,  then, 
a  mediator  to  stand  between  us  and  His  Majesty  :  One, 
more  than  a  mere  mortal  like  ourselves :  One,  more  than 
even  an  angelic  intellect;  for  he  must  be  mighty  to  save — 
so  powerful,  that  his  plea  shall  be  heard — so  righteous,  that 
he  can  impart  to  us  righteousness.  And,  moreover,  this 
mediator  must  have  his  greatness  so  veiled,  as  that  we  shall 


372  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

be  encouraged  to  approach  him.  If  he  be  clothed  in  all 
the  splendour  of  his  power,  we  shall  be  as  certainly  con- 
sumed in  approaching  him,  as  in  approaching  the  One  who 
holds  the  rights  of  the  Godhead.  Glory  be  to  God  on  high, 
such  a  mediator  appears  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Yes, 
as  says  our  second  article,  in  perfect  accordance  with  the 
words  of  the  text."  *  *  ^  * 

In  his  third  sermon,  he  thus  holds  up  conspicuously  the 
plain  Word  of  God — 

"  It  would  be  easy  for  me,  perchance,  to  amuse  you, 
beloved  hearers,  with  my  own  words ;  but  I  feel,  that,  in  a 
subject  of  such  overwhelming  interest,  it  is  better  to  lead 
you  directly  to  the  fountain  of  truth.  Your  souls  are  at 
stake.  Unless  you  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  you 
must  be  damned.  Far  away  then,  be  all  attempt  to  gratify. 
Rather  would  I  present,  against  your  doubts,  your  difficul- 
ties, and  your  unbelief,  the  artillery  of  Heaven.  My  days 
are  wasting,  and  your  days  are  wasting :  soon  must  we 
stand  before  the  bar  where  we  must  give  account  of  our 
faithfulness.  Let  us  then,  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity, 
deal  with  your  souls.  The  Bible,  the  Bible  is  our  religion. 
From  the  plain  words  of  the  Bible  let  us  delight  to  learn." 
****** 

He  thus  introduces  his  fourth  discourse — 
"  Still  do  we  linger  around  that  delightful  theme,  Jesus 
Christ,  and  him  crucified.  Still  do  we  station  ourselves  at 
the  foot  of  his  throne,  that  we  may  catch  some  glimpses  of 
his  glory,  and  obtain  power  to  be  transformed  into  his 
image.  We  are  poor,  suffering,  condemned  creatures — 
our  minds  can  revolve  no  subject  more  calculated  to  com- 
fort ;  for  this  blessed  Jesus,  it  is  said,  has  come  to  '  heal 
the  broken-hearted,  to  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives, 
and  recovering  of  sight  to  the  blind ;  to  set  at  liberty  them 
that  are  bruised,  to  preach  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord.' " 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  273 

"  We  Imve  already  employed  the  greater  part  of  two  ser- 
mons on  the  subject,  and,  instead  of  diminishing,  the  theme 
still  grows  upon  our  hands.  Like  a  traveller,  who,  from  a 
great  distance,  approaches  some  lofty  range  of  mountains, 
they  rise,  and  rise,  and  their  summits,  lost  amid  the  clouds, 
seem  to  defy  all  attempts  to  explore  them."     *     *     *    * 

At  the  close  of  his  fifth  sermon,  he  observes — ■ 

"  Who  could  have  anticipated  such  an  infinity  of  love? 
Had  we  been  sent  one  unbroken  phalanx  to  perdition,  we 
should  have  been  dealt  with  in  righteousness  :  but,  no — 
Heaven  yields  its  Sovereign — Christ  takes  upon  him  our 
nature,  '  that,  through  death,  he  may  destroy  him  that  had 
the  power  of  death,  and  deliver  them,  who,  through  fear  of 
death,  are  all  their  life-time  subject  to  bondage.'  Here  we 
behold  the  anger  of  God  against  sin  most  awfully  displayed, 
in  the  view  of  an  astonished  universe.  We  behold  a 
monument  reared  to  proclaim  to  all  future  eternity,  that 
God  will  by  no  means  look  on  sin  without  abhorrence. 
We  behold  Heaven  re-peopled  after  the  fall  of  a  portion 
of  its  inhabitants,  and  by  those  who  are  roused  to  the  very 
height  of  gratitude,  and  led  to  feel 

" '  Eternity's  too  short, 
To  utter  all  their  praise.' 

"  We  perceive  the  justice  of  God  vindicated  ;  the  mercy 
of  God  flowing  in  unparalleled  abundance ;  and  the  wis- 
dom of  God  shining  in  infinite  splendour.  Glory  be  to 
the  Father,  and  to  the  Son,  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost." 

He  thus  closes  his  sixth  discourse — 

"  This  doctrine,  then,  rests  on  an  imperishable  base, 
and  we  may  take  to  ourselves  the  comfort  of  it. 

"Has  Jesus  Christ  risen?  I'hen  shall  you  and  I  rise, 
oh  believers,  from  the  dust  of  death.  We  see  the  grave 
before  us,  and  it  is  painful  to  think  of  these  active  limbs 

a2 


274  MEMOIlt  OF  THE 

of  ours  being  bound  up  in  the  winding  sheet,  and  laid 
in  the  coffin.  It  is  painful  to  think  of  their  mouldering 
beneath  the  crawling  worm :  but  Jesus  is  the  resurrec- 
tion and  the  life ;  he  shall  change  our  vile  body,  that  it 
may  be  fashioned  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  according 
to  the  working  whereby  he  is  able  even  to  subdue  all 
things  unto  himself. 

•'  Are  we,  let  me  ask,  well  assured  that  we  are  true 
believers  in  him?  A  resurrection  of  the  spirit  must  be 
experienced  here,  remember,  before  we  can  claim  that  cha- 
racter. Have  we  then  been  born  of  the  Spirit  ?  Having 
once  been  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  are  we  now  quick- 
ened through  the  power  of  Christ? 

"  If  we  have  this  hope,  '  let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from 
all  filthiness  of  the  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in 
the  fear  of  God.'  Let  us  live  as  those  who  expect  to  follow 
our  Master  through  the  grave  and  gate  of  death,  to  a  glo- 
rious immortality. 

"  When  our  '  corruptible  shall  have  put  on  incorruption, 
and  our  mortal  shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be 
brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written.  Death  is  swal- 
lowed up  in  victory.  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting?  O 
grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  The  sting  of  death  is  sin  ;  the 
strength  of  sin  is  the  law :  but  thanks  be  to  God,  which 
giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'  " 

The  same  rich  vein  of  Divine  truth  which  characterizes 
and  pervades  the  work,  is  truly  prominent,  even  to  the  close 
of  the  volume. 

He  observes,  "according  to  God's  mercy,  he  'saveth  us 
by  the  washing  of  regeneration  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.'  We  are  washed  ;  we  are  sanctified ;  we  are  justi- 
fied in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of 
our  God. — Ah,  then,  beloved  hearers — the  whole  congrega- 
tion— draw  nigh  to  the  fountain  of  the  Spirit,  and  never 
rest,  until  you  obtain  its  renovating  impulse. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  276 

"  Have  you  been  enlightened  ?  Have  you  tasted  of  the 
Heavenly  gift?  Implore  the  Spirit  to  lead, to  strengthen,  to 
comfort  you.  '  As  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
they  are  the  sons  of  God.'  The  prayer  of  David,  '  Take 
not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me,'  it  becometh  all  to  offer. 

"  Without  '  holiness,  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord,'  and  the 
Spirit  is  the  author  of  all  holiness.  Living  in  the  Spirit, 
we  walk  in  the  Spirit,  and  do  not  fulfil  the  lusts  of  the  flesh  : 
we  crucify  the  flesh  with  the  affections  and  lusts  ; — we  put 
off  the  old  man  which  is  corrupt ;  we  adorn  the  doctrine  of 
God  our  Saviour. 

"  Without  the  Spirit  there  is  no  comfort.  Uphold  me 
with  thy  free  Spirit,  we  should  continually  pray.  The  love 
of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  oui  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 
The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit,  that  we 
are  the  children  of  God.  The  God  of  hope  fills  us  with 
all  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  we  may  abound  in  hope, 
through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

"  Without  the  Spirit,  we  can  never  overcome  the  enemies 
of  our  souls.  With  the  Spirit,  we  are  more  than  conquerors. 
We  are  strengthened  with  might,  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner 
man." 

In  reference  to  this  volume  he  wrote  to  me, — "  We  are 
bound  to  meet  that  enemy  which  is  coming  in  like  a  flood." 
This  sentence  also  unfolds  his  motive  in  the  publication. 

He  observes —  "  January  28th,  1823. 

*'  A  second  edition  of  my  sermons  is  going  to  press. 

B.  A." 

His  next  publication  was  a  small  volume  of  one  hundred 
and  eight  pages,  with  the  following  title, — "  Living  Man- 
ners, or  the  True  Secret  of  Happiness, — A  Tale.  Philadel- 
phia, 1822." 

His  object  in  this  work  is  to  unmask  the  formalist  and 
the  worldly-minded,  and  to  hold  up  in  contrast,  the  character 
of  true  piety,  and  the  loveliness  of  sincere  devotion  to  God. 


276  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

As  to  its  execution,  the  following  testimony,  in  a  letter 
to  my  brother,  is  added — 

"  New-York,  December  17th,  1822. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : — I  have  read  '  Living  Manners,' 
with  great  pleasure,  of  which,  I  take  for  granted,  you  are 
the  author.  Its  design  is  excellent,  and  the  body  of  the 
work  well  calculated  to  accomplish  it. 

"  Accept  my  best  wishes  for  your  personal  welfare,  and 
what  is  equally  dear  to  you,  that  of  your  beloved  flock.  I 
long  to  see  you  in  the  midst  of  mine.  Believe  me,  dear 
brother,  your's  in  the  closest  bonds, 

JAMES  MILNOR." 

The  following  notice  I  find  in  Mr.  Poulson's  paper  of 
January  8th,  1823. 

"  It  is  with  concern  and  disappointment,  that  the  author 
of  this  communication  has,  ever  since  the  publication  of  a 
truly  valuable  little  Tract,  entitled — Living  Manners,  or, 
The  Secret  of  Happiness — A  TaZe,  looked  in  vain,  into  our 
public  prints  for  its  well  merited  eulogy  and  recommen- 
dation. 

"  The  polished  purity  of  its  style;  the  correct  and  vivid 
delineation  of  character ;  the  natural  and  interesting  com- 
bination of  incidents,  and  the  chaste  and  just  sentiments 
which  it  exhibits,  render  it,  though  small,  a  work  of  intrinsic 
merit,  and  well  deserving  general  perusal. 

"  The  language  and  construction  are  very  similar  to  Cun- 
ningham's in  his  '  Velvet  Cushion,^  '  World  without  Souls,^ 
&;c.,  so  well  received,  and  justly  approved  by  the  public  ; 
and,  being  the  production  of  a  native  American,  it  has  a 
peculiar  claim  upon  American  patronage. 

"  To  every  serious  and  reflecting  Christian,  it  must  be 
truly  acceptable  ;  as  the  happy  influence  of  religious  edu- 
cation, the  powerful  and  insidious  operation  of  worldly 
objects,  and  their  deleterious  effect  upon  the  higher  ranks 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  277 

of  society,  who  are  solaced  by  the  enjoyment  of  ease  and 
opulence,  are,  in  this  little  work,  most  faithfully  and  forci- 
bly portrayed. 

"  The  only  regret  which,  after  perusal,  arose  in  the  mind 
of  the  writer  of  this  notice,  and  the  circle  of  friends  to 
whom  he  read  it,  was,  that  it  was  so  short ;  and  it  is  sin- 
cerely hoped  by  him  and  them,  and  doubtless  will  be  so 
by  many  other  of  its  readers,  that  the  author,  known,  it  is 
said,  only  by  the  publisher,  will  either  continue  the  narra- 
tive, or  employ  his  pen,  so  pleasing  and  powerful,  in  the 
communication  of  moral  and  religious  truth,  upon  some 
similar  elucidation  of  its  essential  and  all-important  prin- 
ciples. A." 

It  is  difficult  to  give  an  extract  from  the  body  of  this 
work ;  but  he  has  annexed  to  the  volume  an  allegory  so 
truly  descriptive  of  Living  Manners,  in  connexion  with 
Heavenly  objects,  that  I  present  it  entire.  This  I  find  in 
the  edition  of  1822,  but  not  in  the  edition  which  was  ste- 
reotyped in  1828.  The  work  itself  was  considered  so 
useful,  that  it  was  circulated  extensively  by  the  American 
Sunday-School  Union.  And  an  additional  thousand  impres- 
sions have  been  obtained  from  the  plates  by  that  Union, 
since  my  brother's  death. 

"  AN  ALLEGORY." 

"  In  the  vision  of  my  head,  upon  my  bed,  I  beheld,  and 
lo,  a  vast  plain,  in  the  midst  of  which  rose  a  lofty  mountain. 
On  the  summit  of  this  mountain,  was  an  inexhaustible  fount 
of  crystal  waters,  round  which  waved  trees  of  the  most 
luxuriant  verdure,  and  flourished  gardens  of  the  most  ex- 
quisite beauty.  Every  where  breathed  airs  of  delicious 
fragrance,  and  abounded  all  that  could  charm.  The  very 
atmosphere  appeared  to  be  celestial.  Those  admitted  to 
dwell  in  the  delightful  region,  seemed  to  have  arrived  at 
the  fruition  of  their  every  desire,  to  repose  in  the  posses- 


278  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

sion  of  unmingled  happiness.  Oft,  with  united  voice,  thev 
swelled  melodious  song ;  oft,  in  high  converse,  they  partook 
of  intellectual  bliss.  As  they  glided  o'er  the  scene,  every 
movement  was  harmony,  every  thought  of  joy. 

"  From  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  the  plain  spread  far  aa 
the  eye  could  reach,  and  every  where  was  filled  with  inha- 
bitants. In  itself,  it  was  a  perfect  barren,  but  it  was  fer- 
tilized by  a  multitude  of  little  rills,  flowing  from  the  fount. 
Wherever  they  meandered,  verdure  and  beauty  smiled.  On 
the  banks  of  these,  the  people  of  the  plain  pitched  their 
tents,  partaking  of  the  fruits  that  ripened  around  them,  and 
drinking  the  waters  sparkling  at  their  feet.  I  perceived  it 
was  intended  that  those  who  partook  of  the  stream,  should 
acquire  a  love  for  the  parent  fountain,  and  a  determination 
to  travel  towards  it ;  and  1  saw,  moreover,  that  the  nearer 
they  approached  the  mount,  the  larger  grew  every  rill,  the 
richer  was  its  verdure,  and  the  more  precious  its  fruits. 
But  a  kind  of  perverse  infatuation  appeared  to  possess  the 
multitude,  insomuch,  that,  though  it  was  known  those  who 
approached  the  mountain  became  more  and  more  happy, 
the  general  disposition  was  to  travel  farther  from  it.  Oft 
were  messages  sent,  calling  them  to  draw  nigh,  and  there 
were  among  them,  many  whose  special  business  it  was  to 
invite,  but,  such  was  the  inattention,  very  few  lent  a  will- 
ing ear.  Sometimes  the  waters  at  their  feet  were  suddenly 
withdrawn,  and  every  thing  around  them  began  immedi- 
ately to  fade :  still  they  would  not  travel  upward,  but  re- 
mained, deploring  their  misery,  and  feeding  on  the  recol- 
lection of  their  former  joys ;  or  else  removed  to  the  banks 
of  some  other  rill,  equally  as  uncertain  as  the  one  they  had 
lost.  There  was  a  natural  tendency  in  themselves  to  decay ; 
all  their  pleasures  palled  upon  the  appetite,  and  became 
daily  less  desirable  ;  and  they  knew,  that  if  they  approached 
the  fountain,  their  joys  would  increase,  and  soon  their  youth 
would  be  renewed,  and  their  happiness  be  made  perfect : 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  279 

still  they  clung  to  their  surrounding  possessions,  though 
with  a  grasp  every  moment  more  feeble,  until  they  perished 
utterly.  Some  there  were,  who  acted  more  wisely.  They 
set  out  to  reach  the  mountain.  These,  at  every  step  of 
their  progress,  gained  an  accession  of  pleasure.  They  were 
liable  to  be  turned  aside,  and  to  settle  down  by  the  way, 
and  a  part  suffered  in  consequence ;  but  so  long  as  they 
kept  their  eye  steadily  fixed  upon  their  object,  and  unde- 
viatingly  pursued  their  course,  so  long  they  continued  to 
make  fresh  attainments  in  substantial  satisfaction.  Some- 
times, when  they  suffered  their  attention  to  be  diverted, 
obstacles  sprung  up  in  their  path,  but,  by  fresh  perseverance, 
they  were  able  to  overcome  them.  Sometimes  a  cloud 
would  intercept  their  sight,  but,  by  pressing  on,  they  suc- 
ceeded in  piercing  it.  A  secret  strength  appeared  to  be 
dispensed  to  them,  as  they  proceeded  onward ;  a  strength 
proportioned  to  their  earnestness  in  desiring  it.  The  fur- 
ther they  went,  the  more  facilities  they  discovered,  and  the 
more  easily  they  progressed.  Sometimes  the  stream  at 
their  feet  would  falter,  or  would  fail ;  but  this  only  drew 
them  nearer  to  the  fountain,  and  they  always  became  richer 
by  their  loss.  As  they  drew  nigh  the  mount,  the  attention 
of  those  who  dwelt  on  its  summit,  became  more  fixed  upon 
them.  Some  of  the  happy  number  descended  to  attend 
them.  These  glided  around  the  travellers  unperceived, 
watching  over,  and  ministering,  when  they  knew  it  not, 
and  at  length,  bearing  them  rejoicing  to  their  companions 
above,  where  they  were  welcomed  to  that  rest,  which  re- 
maineth  for  all  who  will  imitate  their  example." 

In  1823,  my  brother  was  induced  to  publish  a  second 
edition  of  his  Abridgment  of  Burnet's  History  of  the  Re- 
formation. With  reference  to  its  introduction  into  schools, 
he  also  issued  a  third  edition  in  a  smaller  form  and  more 
inferior  execution,  about  the  same  time.  Both  of  these 
were  published  by  E.  Littell. 


280  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

The  following  is  added  to  the  preface — 

"  In  presenting  a  third  edition,  the  author  of  this  Abridg- 
ment desires  to  express  his  sense  of  obligation  to  the  nume- 
rous friends  who  have  favoured  the  work  with  reviews,  and 
improved  it  by  useful  suggestions. 

"  Philadelphia,  February,  1823." 

He  writes  to  me —  "  September  22d. 

*'  Dear  Thomas : — Cannot  you  circulate  some  copies 
of  the  History  of  the  Reformation,  school  edition,  in  Sun- 
day or  day-schools  ?  I  need  the  help — I  have  been  induced 
to  publish  for  the  good  of  the  Church  :  and  am  not  helped 
out.     They  are  certainly  wanted  in  your  country. 

"  Truly,  your's,  B.  A." 

His  mind  was  also  early  directed  to  the  publication  of 

his  History  of  the  Church,  as  appears  from  the  following  to 

him — 

"Boston,  September  3d,  1822. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir : — T  hope  you  will  be  encouraged  to 
undertake  the  work  of  which  we  spoke.  There  is  certainly 
no  good  general  history  of  the  Christian  Church.  Facts 
are  bent  to  the  support  of  theories,  both  in  Mosheim  and 
Milner.  It  will  therefore  be  a  work  of  much  greater  labour 
to  you,  to  compare  the  several  histories  together,  and  give 
an  unbiased  narrative,  than  that  which  you  have  so  well 
accomplished.  But  though  arduous,  I  need  not  add  that 
it  will  be  profitable  to  you,  as  well  as  to  the  Church." — "  I 
am,  with  great  respect,  Rev.  and  dear  Sir,  your  affectionate 
friend  and  brother,  SAMUEL  F.  JAR  VIS." 

The  work  above  alluded  to,  my  brother  published  in 
1823,  with  the  following  title — "  History  of  the  Church  of 
Christ.  By  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's 
Church,  Philadelphia." 

In  order  to  place  the  work  within  the  reach  of  all,  it  was 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  281 

issued  in  numbers,  of  near  fifty  pages  each,  at  twenty-five 
cents  per  number.  It  finally  formed  two  volumes,  octavo, 
of  upwards  of  four  hundred  and  eighty  pages,  each. 

He  thus  dedicates  it — 

"  To  the  Young,  with  earnest  prayer  that  they  may  be 
led  to  seek  first  that  Kingdom,  to  the  possession  of  which  is 
annexed  the  promise  of  all  things,  these  pages  are  most 
affectionately  dedicated  by  their  friend,         B.  ALLEN. 

"  Philadelphia,  1823." 

The  following  is  the 

"  Preface. — The  urgency  with  which  the  author  of  these 
pages  has  been  solicited  to  venture  upon  their  preparation, 
would  not  have  weighed  with  him,  had  it  not  been  for  the 
hope,  that  they  might  prove  in  some  degree,  instrumental 
in  advancing  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer. 

"  A  plain  narration  of  the  prominent  events  that  have 
occurred  in  the  progress  of  the  Church  of  Christ,  is  cer- 
tainly calculated  to  benefit.  Every  member  of  a  commu- 
nity, called  Christian,  is  interested  in  those  events,  and 
every  mind  that  can  be  brought  to  contemplate  them,  must 
receive  an  impression  of  the  value  of  the  Gospel,  and  of 
the  importance  of  cherishing  it.  As  we  behold  principles 
in  action,  and,  as  it  were  living  in  the  conduct  of  mul- 
titudes through  successive  centuries,  we  learn  how  to 
appreciate  those  principles ;  as  we  mark  the  constant  rise 
of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness,  and  the  melting  away  of  the 
transient  clouds,  which,  from  time  to  time,  sought  to  obscure 
it,  we  feel  how  sure  are  the  promises  of  God,  and  how 
futile  the  attempts  of  error.  The  song  of  triumph  flowing 
from  the  lips  of  an  army  of  martyrs,  encourages  us  in  our 
pilgrimage.  The  moral  loveliness  displayed  in  the  lives 
of  the  faithful,  calls  upon  us  to  be  holy.  We  see  the 
power  of  Divine  grace,  and  learn  how  to   seek  it.     We 

Bb 


282  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

perceive  the  preciousness  of  the  Word  of  Revelation,  and 
learn  how  to  prize  it.  Such  a  narration  may  prove  espe- 
cially useful  in  these  days  of  spiritual  enterprise,  when  the 
arm  of  the  Lord  is  made  bare  for  the  destruction  of  hea- 
thenism, and  the  light  of  truth  is  diffusing  itself  with 
unparalleled  triumph.  The  soldiers  of  the  King  of  kings, 
now  in  the  field,  may  certainly  gain  knowledge  from  the 
story  of  those  who  have  gone  before  them  in  the  war. 

"  And  will  not  every  father  of  a  family  wish  his  children 
to  know  something  of  the  history  of  the  Church,  as  well  as 
of  the  history  of  Rome  or  of  England?  Glorious  indeed  are 
the  efforts  making  for  the  instruction  of  the  young :  may 
this  work  be  numbered  among  them." 

I  feel  constrained  to  give  a  {ew  extracts  from  the  body 
of  the  work,  with  reference  to  usefulness,  especially  some 
of  the  overflowings  of  my  brother's  mind  and  heart. 

He  thus  speaks  of  the  introduction  of  the  Gospel  into 
Europe — 

"  And  a  vision  appeared  to  Paul  in  the  night ;  there 
stood  a  man  of  Macedonia,  and  prayed  him  saying,  '  Come 
over  into  Macedonia,  and  help  us.'  This  call  to  a  portion 
of  the  Gentile  world,  still  farther  from  Judea,  was  obeyed. 
'  Immediately,'  says  the  inspired  Luke,  '  we  endeavoured 
to  go  into  Macedonia,  assuredly  gathering  that  the  Lord 
had  called  us  for  to  preach  the  Gospel  unto  them.  There- 
fore, loosing  from  Troas,  we  came  with  a  straight  course  to 
Samothracia,  and  the  next  day  to  Neapolis ;  and  from 
thence  to  Philippi,  which  is  the  chief  city  of  that  part  of 
Macedonia,  and  a  colony.' 

"  Blessed  voyage  for  the  land  of  our  fathers  !  This  is  the 
first  account  we  have  of  the  planting  of  the  standard  of  the 
cross  in  Europe.  It  is  not  improbable,  that  during  the 
previous  dispersions,  individual  Christians  had   travelled 


REV.  BENJAMIN'  ALLEN.  283 

even  to  the  mistress  of  the  world  ;  but  Paul  and  Timot  hy 
are  the  first  we  read  of  coming  with  apostolic  authority  to 
lay  deep  the  foundations,  and  rear  high  the  arches  of  the 
Gospel  Church.  A  brighter  light  than  that  of  science  now 
approaches  the  shores  of  Greece.  A  nobler  triumph  than 
those  of  the  Caesars  is  now  entering  the  dominions  of  Rome. 

Long  had  the  night  of  superstition  held  its  sway." 

"  Now  the  prophecies  were  fulfilling — the  glorious  renova- 
tion seen  by  Isaiah  was  beginning  to  appear — the  wilder- 
ness and  the  solitary  place  were  preparing  to  bloom." 

In  another  chapter  he  observes — 

"  Paul  truly  Great. — For  the  mere  soldier  who  is  capa- 
ble of  noble  daring,  or  the  senator  who  fearlessly  maintains 
his  people's  cause,  we  feel  a  deep  interest.  Why  is  it  that 
our  admirations  are  so  usually  allowed  to  pass  by  Paul,  the 
apostle,  or  if  they  fall  on  him  for  an  instant,  to  be  transient 
in  their  stay  ?  Is  he  less  than  a  Csesar,  a  Chatham,  or  a 
Washington  ?  Was  his  mind  less  vigorous,  or  his  erudition 
less  extensive?  Was  his  energy  less  bold,  or  less  persever- 
ing? Was  the  path  he  trod  less  important,  or  were  the 
enemies  he  fought  less  mighty  ?  Were  the  consequences  of 
his  conduct  less  conspicuous?  When  he  shook  to  their 
foundations  the  superstitions  of  Greece,  and  gave  a  mortal 
thrust  to  the  idolatries  of  Rome?  When,  wherever  he 
went,  he  was  the  liberating  angel  to  the  energies  of  the 
mind,  and  the  purifying  guide  to  the  aflfections  of  the 
heart?  When,  in  the  might  of  his  Master,  he  raised 
the  nations  from  the  dust,  and  elevated  their  views, 
above  all  Greek,  above  all  Roman  fame?  When,  through 
the  power  of  the  Spirit,  he  achieved  liberty,  not  only  tem- 
poral, but  eternal — severed,  not  merely  the  manacles  that 
held  the  body  bound,  but  those  that  wrapt  the  soul  ? 
Surely,  in  contemplating  his  progress,  we  may  well  admire  : 
In  seeing  him  pass  into  the  dungeon,  we  may  well  weep  : 


284  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

In  observing  him  before  the  courts  of  rulers,  we  may  well 
be  interested :  In  reading  the  result  of  his  labours,  we 
may  well  be  fervent  in  the  expression  of  our  gratitude. 
Were  our  eyes  perfectly  enlightened,  we  should  see  in 
Paul  a  hero  as  far  superior  to  all  the  champions  of  earth, 
as  spirit  is  superior  to  matter:  we  should  behold  the 
consequences  of  his  victory  stretching  forward  throughout 
eternity,  and  the  trophies  of  his  labours  shining  bright 
around  the  throne.  Yes,  we  should  see  him  standing  in 
his  place  a  worshipper  on  high,  and  as  he  casts  his  crown 
at  the  feet  of  his  Redeemer,  we  should  behold  a  multitude 
which  no  man  can  number,  praising  that  Redeemer  for 
him  as  an  apostle." 

It  is  profitable  to  observe  the  unfoldings  of  the  character 
of  those  holy  men  who  were  first  commissioned  to  preach 
the  everlasting  Gospel.  I,  therefore,  place  here  the  fol- 
lowing circumstance  which  is  related  of  John  the  Divine. 
We  behold  him,  who  was  so  truly  amiable  and  lovely  in 
the  characteristic  feelings  of  his  soul,  undauntedly  pursu- 
ing the  path  of  duty  in  the  face  of  danger,  and  stamping 
an  inestimable  value  on  one  immortal  spirit. 

"■  At  one  place  in  his  tour,  observing  a  remarkably  hand- 
some young  person,  he  warmly  recommended  him  to  the 
care  of  a  particular  pastor.  The  young  man  was  baptized, 
and  for  a  time  lived  as  a  Christian.  But  being  gradually 
corrupted  by  company,  he  became  idle,  intemperate,  and  at 
length  so  dishonest,  as  to  become  a  captain  of  a  band  of 
robbers.  Some  time  after,  John  had  occasion  to  inquire  of 
the  pastor  concerning  the  young  man,  who  told  him  that 
he  was  now  dead  to  God,  and  inhabited  a  mountain  over 
against  his  Church.  John,  in  the  vehemence  of  his  cha- 
rity, went  to  the  place  and  exposed  himself  to  be  taken  by 
the  robbers.  'Bring  me,'  says  he,  '  to  your  captain,'  who 
beheld  him  coming.     As  soon  as  he  knew  the  apostle,  he 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  28.5 

was  struck  with  shame,  and  fled.  The  aged  apostle,  fol- 
lowing him,  cried,  '  My  son,  why  flyest  thou  from  thy 
father,  unarmed,  and  old?  Fear  not,  as  yet  there  remaineth 
hope  of  salvation.  Believe  me,  Christ  hath  sent  me.'  Hear- 
ing this,  the  young  man  stood  still,  trembled,  and  wept 
bitterly.  John  prayed,  exhorted,  and  brought  him  back  to 
the  society  of  Christians ;  nor  did  he  leave  him  till  he 
found  him  fully  restored  by  Divine  grace." 

"  When  this  ancient  servant  of  God  became  unable  to 
say  much  in  the  public  assemblies,  his  constantly  repeated 
sermon  was,  '  Little  children,  love  one  another.'  He  was 
spared  to  the  advanced  age  of  one  hundred,  the  lovely 
pattern  of  every  thing  excellent. 

"  Is  there  a  young  man  reads  this  page  ?  Go  thou,  and 
by  the  grace  of  God,  become  like  him." 

My  brother  observes,  in  the  chapter  headed 
"  Commodus. — The  honours  of  this  world  are  evidently 
of  little  value  in  the  eye  of  the  Almighty.  He  permits 
them  to  be  enjoyed  by  such  weak,  and,  sometimes,  by  such 
brutal  beings,  as  are  a  by-word  among  nations.  '  The  lust 
of  the  flesh,  the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life,'  cer- 
tainly then,  do  not  become  us.  Our  anxieties  ought  to  be 
fastened  on  nobler  objects.  If  wealth  and  temporal  distinc- 
tion were  the  choicest  gifts,  we  should  not  see  them  in  the 
possession  of  a  Nero,  or  a  Marcus  Aurelius  :  We  should 
not  see  an  Ignatius  and  a  Polycarp  suflfering,  while  a  hea- 
then is  emperor.  Of  all  the  tyrants  that  have  disgraced 
the  human  form,  Commodus,  who,  in  the  year  180,  suc- 
ceeded to  the  government  of  the  world,  was  the  most 
gratuitously  savage." — "  And  yet  this  man,  who  slew  his 
subjects  for  amusement,  was,  by  the  overruling  power  of 
Providence,  made  to  allow  the  Christians  a  respite.  So 
true  is  it,  that  the  hearts  of  all  are  in  the  hands  of  God, 
b2 


2Q&  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

and  that  none  have  any  reason  to  fear  who  are  under  liis 
protection." 

The  following  is  important  in  this  age  of  awful  departure 
from  the  truth — 

"  The  heresies  of  the  second  century  were  neither  nu- 
merous nor  important.  A  denial  of  the  Deity  of  Christ 
could  not  find  any  patron  within  the  pale  of  the  Chvrch,for 
the  first  two  hundred  years.'''' 

Again  : — "  No  fact  in  church  history  is  more  certain 
than  this,  and  the  demonstration  is  clear  from  thence,  that 
Socinianism,  in  the  year  269,  was  not  suffered  to  exist  within 
the  pale  of  the  Christian  Church.  I  use  that  term,  because 
it  is  now  well  understood.  '  We  believe,'  writes  Felix,  the 
successor  of  Dionysius  of  Rome,  '  we  believe  that  our  Sa- 
viour Jesus  Christ  was  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary ;  we  be- 
lieve that  he  himself  is  the  Eternal  God  and  the  Word,  and 
not  a  man  whom  God  hath  taken  into  himself,  so  as  that 
man  should  be  distinct  from  him  :  for  the  Son  of  God  being 
perfect  God,  was  also  made  perfect  man,  being  incarnate  of 
the  virgin." 

"  EIGHTH  CENTURY." 

"  The  two  evils  which  have  risen  to  view  during  the  last 
century,  will  not  soon  be  paralleled.  The  papacy,  gather- 
ing its  foul  exhalations  to  quench  the  light  of  truth  ;  and 
the  imposture  of  Mahomet,  like  a  cloud  from  the  bottomless 
abyss,  withering,  wherever  it  falls,  with  instant  desolation. 
Both  alike  prove  the  corruption  of  the  human  heart,  and 
the  importance  of  relying  alone  upon  Him,  whose  promise 
still  is,  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail.  Both  the  eastern 
and  the  western  Churches  given  up  to  darkness  !  the  whole 
orb  of  Christianity  !  But  the  Lord  reigneth.'''' 

"thirteenth  centurv. — Waldo  and  the  Waldenses." 
"  We  arc  approaching  the  dawn  of  a  brighter  era,  and  it 
becomes  us  gratefully  to  contemplate  its  commencement. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  287 

Enjoying  the  pure  light  of  the  Gospel,  we  ought  frequently 
to  look  at  the  trials  and  the  efforts  of  those  who  were  the 
instruments  of  preserving  for  us  that  light."         *         * 

The  following  suggestions  of  the  thirteenth  century, 
should  not  pass  unnoticed  in  this  age  of  fashion  and  dissi- 
pation— 

"  Against  the  disorders  of  taverns,  and  the  mischief  of 
dancing,  they  are  exceedingly  severe.  Remark  one  sen- 
tence :  '  They,  who  deck  and  adorn  their  daughters,  are  like 
those  who  put  dry  wood  to  the  fire,  to  the  end  that  it  may 
burn  the  better.'  A  tavern  is  the  fountain  of  sin,  and  the 
school  of  Satan."  *  *  *  * 

It  is  astonishing  to  what  an  awful  extreme  the  sale  of 
pardons  and  indulgences  was  carried  in  the  sixteenth  cen- 
tury. Well  might  the  soul  of  Luther  be  aroused  to  take 
the  lead  in  the  work  of  reform. 

My  brother  thus  closes  the  second  volume — 
"  We  behold  abundant  proofs  of  the  faithfulness  of  our 
God,  as  we  contemplate  his  presence  with  his  Church.  He 
has  permitted  her  to  pass  through  various  trials,  but  his  own 
right  arm  has  always  defended  her.  In  the  storm  of  hea- 
then persecution,  he  supported  and  strengthened  his  people. 
Amid  the  insidiousness  of  heresy,  he  raised  up  firm  defen- 
ders of  the  truth.  In  the  darkest  periods  of  popery,  he  was 
not  without  tens  of  thousands  who  refused  to  bow  the  knee 
to  Baal.  The  valleys  of  Piedmont  bore  testimony  to  his 
love.  When  corruption  had  run  its  course,  and,  as  is  always 
the  case,  when  it  is  permitted  so  to  do,  had  displayed  its 
deformity,  he  gave  to  shine  like  stars  to  a  midnight  sky, 
Wickliffe,  Cranmer,  Luther,  Calvin,  and  all  those  who  re- 
vealed the  long  hidden  light  of  truth.  He  has  preserved 
his  cause  even  amid  the  errors  of  his  servants,  and  in  these 
latter  years,  he  has  so  poured  out  his  Spirit  from  on  high, 
and  so  aroused  and  directed  the  energies  of  Christendom, 


288  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

that  he  has  added  proof  to  promise,  that  all  shall  know  him, 
from  the  least  to  the  greatest.  A  view  of  the  progress  of 
the  Church,  gives  us  at  the  same  time,  the  strongest  evi- 
dence of  the  depravity  of  man.  Who,  that  sees  the  cor- 
ruptions men  have  introducd ;  who  that  marks  the  errors 
with  which  they  have  deformed  the  fair  aspect  of  truth  ,• 
who  that  reads  of  the  massacres  and  inquisitions  of  Rome, 
of  the  intolerance  of  the  Protestants,  of  the  attempts  to 
deny  Christ's  essential  glory;  who  that  reads  of  these,  but 
must  confess  that  man  is  desperately  wicked  ?" 

My  brother,  in  his  benevolent  labours,  had  wheels  within 
wheels,  and  endeavoured  to  accomplish  a  variety  of  good, 
by  one  effort.  In  the  publication  of  the  Church  History, 
his  object  was,  not  only  to  promote  the  cause  of  the  Re- 
deemer, but  a  secondary  consideration  is  displayed  in  the 
following  notice  to  the  public,  by  Mr.  E.  Bacon,  into  whose 
hands  my  brother  had  thrown  the  work  for  publication. 

"  The  publisher  is  unwilling  to  obtrude  his  private  con- 
cerns upon  the  attention  of  any,  but  he  feels  that  an  addi- 
tional interest  will  be  excited  in  every  benevolent  mind, 
when  informed  that  he  has  obtained  of  the  Reverend  Author, 
permission  to  publish  this  work,  in  order  that  he  may  pro- 
vide for  the  education  of  his  children." 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


CLERICAL    PRAYER-MEETING PROMOTES    THE    ERECTION    OF 

ST.  Andrew's  church,  Philadelphia  ;  also  st.  Mat- 
thew's CHURCH,  FRANCISVILLE. 

My  brother  endeavoured  to  break  down  the  middle  wall  of 
partition,  which  separated  the  different  portions  of  our 
Church.  By  his  conciliatory  manner  he  so  far  succeeded, 
that  the  brethren  in  Philadelphia  were  enabled  to  act  more 
in  conceit  in  the  promotion  of  the  common  cause  of  their 
Redeemer.  For  some  time,  they  assembled  once  a  week 
in  each  other's  houses.  On  these  occasions  they  engaged 
in  prayer,  and  listened  to  an  essay  on  some  branch  of  cle- 
rical duty.  Thus  they  pursued  a  course  well  designed  to 
unite  brother  to  brother  in  closer  bonds,  and  to  excite  each 
other  to  love  and  good  works. 

My  brother's  views  and  labours  were  not  confined  to  the 
particular  Church  of  which  he  was  Rector;  he  also  dis- 
played an  anxiety  to  promote  the  cause  of  Christ,  the  cause 
of  the  Church  throughout  the  City,  the  Diocess  and  the 
World. 

As  the  necessities  of  the  Church  in  his  immediate  vici- 
nity arose  to  view,  he  not  only  endeavoured  to  direct  and 
animate  the  efforts  of  his  fellow-labourers,  but  he  strove  to 
enlist  for  that  field,  the  labours  of  faithful  brethren  from 
other  quarters. 

As  early  as  the  spring  of  1822,  we  find  him  actively  en- 
gaged in  endeavouring  to  direct  the  attention  of  the  Rev. 
Gregory  T.  Bedell  to  Philadelphia ;  this  appears,  by  letters 


290  MEMOm  OF  THE 

received  from  him,  in  answer  to  my  brother's  solicitations. 
Mr.  Bedell  was  at  that  time  pastor  of  a  Church  in  Fayette- 
ville,  North-Carolina,  and  contemplated  a  removal  from  that 
climate,  in  consequence  of  the  health  of  his  wife. 

My  brother's  first  object  was,  that  Mr.  B.  should  receive 
a  call  to  fill  a  vacancy  then  existing  in  the  city.  As  this 
was  otherwise  filled,  he  proposed  that  Mr.  B.  should  give 
his  labours  to  the  erection  of  a  new  Church  in  the  city. 
From  the  first,  Mr.  Bedell  was  pleased  with  the  prospect 
of  a  location  in  Philadelphia,  though  he  had  invitations  to 
settle  in  other  places. 

My  brother's  movements,  and  the  true  state  of  the  case, 
may  be  more  distinctly  discovered,  by  the  following  ex- 
tracts of  letters  to  him — 

"  Fayetteville,  March  26th,  1822. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : — I  received  your's  this  morn- 
ing, mentioning  the  appointment  of  Mr.  D.  The  mere 
assistantship  to  the  Bishop,  is  not  a  situation  which  I  should 
have  particularly  desired.  I  should,  however,  have  been 
pleased  with  a  residence  in  Philadelphia. 

"  You  speak  of  an  effort  to  build  one  or  two  new  Churches. 
I  would  suppose  there  might  be  room  for  them  in  Phila- 
delphia, but  as  to  their  ever  being  built,  is  quite  another 
matter.  Episcopalians  generally  have  the  reproach  of  being 
backward,  and  they  have  not  the  zeal  and  activity  of  other 
denominations,  who  seize  on  every  opportunity.  I  hope  it 
will  not  always  be  so.  It  is  my  intention,  God  willing,  to 
be  in  Philadelphia  on  the  first  or  second  Sunday  in  May, 
and  as  I  probably  shall  not  find  a  situation  altogether 
agreeable  to  my  feelings  immediately,  I  should  be  willing, 
after  I  have  placed  my  family  at  Hudson,  to  return  and 
spend  a  few  weeks  with  you,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  giving 
what  portion  of  leisure  I  may  be  master  of,  to  the  further- 
ance of  any  views  in  Philadelphia,  which  the  friends  of  the 
Church  may  deem  important.     And  whether  it  should  ulti- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  291 

niately  be  of  any  benefit  to  myself  or  not,  it  would  gratify 
me  to  assist,  by  any  means  in  my  power,  the  establishment 
of  a  new  church.  I  would  be  willing  to  go  so  far  as  to 
promise,  that  unless  I  should  be  engaged,  and  receive  a  call 
elsewhere,  1  would  render  such  occasional  assistance 
through  the  summer,  as  might  tend,  through  the  blessing 
of  God,  to  the  general  good.  Write  to  me,  and  let  me  know 
more  distinctly  what  the  views  of  the  people  are,  in  refer- 
ence to  any  new  establishment.  Your  affectionate  friend 
and  brother,  G.  T.  BEDELL." 

After  Mr.  Bedell  had  relinquished  his  charge,  he  again 
wrote  to  my  brother,  from  Virginia — 

"  Richmond,  April  29th,  1822. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother : — I  am  now,  according  to  my 
uncle's  request,  supplying  his  pulpit,  during  his  Episcopal 
tour  in  North-Carolina,  but  shall  leave  here,  God  willing, 
on  Wednesday,  the  8th  of  May,  and  if  prospered  in  our 
journey,  shall  be  with  you  on  Saturday,  the  11th.     I  shall 

make  every  possible  effort  to  accomplish  this  object." 

"  Your  kind  invitation  to  take  up  our  abode  with  you  during 
our  short  stay,  will  be  gratefully  accepted,  provided  it  will 
not  put  you  to  inconvenience,  as  you  must  recollect  my 
family  is  considerable.  I  charge  you  to  be  candid  and  tell 
me,  if  we  are  likely  to  expose  you  to  any  inconvenience. 
We  shall  stay  in  Philadelphia,  if  advisable,  eight  or  nine 
days.  I  shall  then  place  my  family  in  Hudson,  and  return 
to  Philadelphia,  or  not,  as  may  be  the  subject  of  future 
conversation, 

"  Your  friend  and  brother,  G.  T.  BEDELL." 

Mr.  Bedell  came  on  to  Philadelphia,  and,  with  his  family, 
was  received  at  my  brother's,  where  they  remained  some 
weeks.  After  Mr.  Bedell  had  preached,  my  brother  sug- 
gested to  some  of  his  friends,  the  importance  of  retaining 
Mr.  B.  in  the  city,  and  the  necessity  of  immediate  arrange- 


292  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

ments  being  made  for  that  purpose.  The  suggestion  was 
received  by  them  with  astonishment,  and  it  was  considered 
as  next  to  impossible  for  any  thing  effectually  to  be  done. 
My  brother,  in  a  very  prompt  and  decided  manner,  answer- 
ed, It  can  he  done^  it  must  he  done,  a  meeting  must  he  called. 
He  induced  a  (evf  to  assemble  together,  to  talk  over  the 
matter.  Appearances,  however,  were  unfavourable,  all 
hearts  were  discouraged,  except  my  brother's  :  even  Mr. 
Bedell  was  unwilling  to  pursue  the  object  further,  and 
anxious  to  proceed  on  to  the  North.  But  my  brother  con- 
strained him  to  remain. 

Finally,  on  Wednesday  evening,  May  15th,  only  four 
days  after  Mr.  B.'s  arrival,  and  at  the  close  of  the  Wednes- 
day evening  lecture,  when  Mr.  Bedell  had  preached  in  St. 
Paul's  Church,  my  brother  assembled  a  few  of  his  friends 
in  the  small  room  under  the  pulpit,  and  induced  them  to 
view  the  subject  in  all  its  bearings,  and  at  once  to  draw  up 
and  sign  a  call  to  Mr.  Bedell  for  one  year,  obligating  them- 
selves to  pay  him  twelve  hundred  dollars  ;  though  at  the 
time,  they  really  knew  not  where  it  was  to  be  obtained  ; 
but  persuaded  that  the  cause  was  the  Lord's.  Mr.  Bedell 
accepted  this  call. 

Shortly  after  this  decisive  movement,  another  meeting 
was  called,  when  sixteen  individuals  obligated  themselves, 
each  to  raise  five  hundred  dollars  towards  the  erection  of 
a  new  church.  One  of  the  gentlemen  who  was  enlisted  in 
the  above  engagement  informed  me,  that  when  my  brother 
called  upon  him,  and  urged  him  to  make  himself  responsi- 
ble for  five  hundred  dollars,  his  situation  was  such,  that  he 
positively  refused.  The  subject  was  so  pressed  upon  him, 
however,  and  my  brother  promising  to  see  that  he  Avas  not 
injured,  making,  in  fact,  himself  responsible  for  the  amount, 
the  gentleman  finally  consented. 

Another  circumstance  in  connexion  with  this  astonish- 
ing movement,  was,  that  among  the  conspicuous  individuals 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  298 

in  this  scene,  there  were  but  two  men  of  capital.  But  this 
was  indeed  the  Lord's  work,  and  he  was  carrying  it  on  by 
his  own  means. 

My  brother  was  thus  made  the  instrument,  against  a 
strong  current  of  opposition  and  conflicting  interests,  of 
urging  on  this  work  step  by  step,  until  he  saw  the  house  of 
God  rising  to  its  completion. 

In  this  whole  work,  the  pure  disinterestedness  of  my 
brother's  soul  was  ever  prominent.  Some  of  the  ardent 
friends  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  not  taking  with  him  that  en- 
larged view  of  the  subject,  were  induced  to  remonstrate 
with  him.  They  observed,  why  Mr.  Allen,  you  do  not  con- 
sider what  you  are  doing !  If  this  work  goes  on,  you  will 
injure  yourself,  and  St.  Paul's  Church  will  go  down  !  My 
brother  answered,  "  /  am  persuaded  that  there  is  a  work  for 
Mr,  Medell  to  do  here,  and  if  my  Redeemer's  kingdom  is 
advanced,  what  matter  how  soon  I  fall  ?" — Yea,  the  love  of 
Christ  constrained  him,  and  he  cheerfully  gave  up  his  bosom 
friends  to  the  work.  May  the  Lord  be  praised  for  influ- 
encing the  hearts  of  men  to  engage  in  this,  his  own  good 
work;  for  this  Church,  St.  Andrew's,  is  now  one  of  the 
most  prominent  in  Philadelphia,  for  the  number  and  re- 
spectability of  its  worshippers  ;  the  number  and  spirituality 
of  its  communicants ;  the  number  and  prosperity  of  its 
Sunday-schools,  and  the  amount  of  its  contributions  to  be- 
nevolent objects.  The  pastoral  concerns  of  the  Church 
are  still  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Bedell. 

I  annex  the  following  extracts  from  Mr.  Bedell's  letters  to 
my  brother,  as  they  display  other  difficulties  which  arose  in 
the  way  of  the  movements  in  Philadelphia;  and  as  they 
unfold  some  of  the  feelings  and  views  of  Mr.  B.  on  the 
occasion.     He  wrote — 

"New- York,  May  27th,  1822. 

"  My  Dear  Brother :— After  a  very  pleasant  journey,  we 
reached  here  on  Saturday  by  10  o'clock  ;  and  we  had  a  very 
c  c 


294  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

disagreeable  scene  to  pass  through,  when  my  father  learned 
that  I  had  determined  to  go  to  Philadelphia.  At  nearly 
the  age  of  the  good  old  Patriarch,  and  in  a  similar  state  of 
feeling,  he  was  almost  ready  to  say  '  all  these  things  are 
against  me.'  I  trust,  however,  that  he  will  find,  as  did  the 
Patriarch,  that  God  orders  his  dispensation  for  the  best. 

"  The  only  fear  that  is  entertained  on  any  hand  by  my 
friends,  is,  that  those  engaged  may  get  lukewarm  and  not 
goon.  I  do  not  fear  it  myself ;  and  under  God,  I  am  perfectly 
willing,  in  their  good  faith,  to  cast  in  my  lot  among  them. 
I  would  say  again,  that  it  is  extremely  important  that  no 
time  should  be  lost  in  commencing.  The  Lord  be  with 
you.     Your  friend  and  brother,  G.  T.  BEDELL." 

Two  days  after  the  above,  Mr.  B.  again  writes — 

"  New-York,  May  29th. 

"Rev.  and  Dear  Brother: — I  have  just  received  your's, 
and  am  glad  that  all  things  go  on  well.  I  am  afraid  that 
there  will  be  a  stronger  opposition  in  Philadelphia  than  we 
had  imagined.  I  was  in  company  this  morning,  where  I 
heard  that  Bishop  Hobart  had  expressed  himself  in  terms 
of  disapprobation  of  my  conduct  in  Philadelphia,  founded 
on  some  notice  he  had  received  from  Bishop  White,  either 
by  message,  or  by  letter,  I  could  not  learn  which.  It  w^as 
stated  that  Bishop  White  had  been  entirely  neglected  on 
the  subject — not  consulted  at  all,  and  that  he  felt  very  much 
surprised." — "With  the  respect  which  I  have  always  had 
for  Bishop  White,  I  should  be  very  sorry  that  he  should  be 
unfavourably  impressed  towards  me,  because  it  is  my  inten- 
tion to  deserve,  and  my  wish  to  have,  the  good  feelings  of 
the  Bishop  and  all  his  clergy. 

"  I  mentioned  to  Bishop  White,  that  not  having  received 
my  letters  demissary,  I  did  not  feel  justified  in  saying  any 
thing  to  him  ;  and  it  was  my  intention,  as  soon  as  I  should 
receive  my  letters,  to  give  them  to  him,  and  then,  (as  only 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  295 

then  I  could,)  put  mySelf  under  his  direction.  If  you  could 
feel  justified  in  speaking  to  him  on  this  subject,  it  might 
be  of  use,  as  it  is  one  of  my  most  earnest  desires,  that  I 
should  not  come  to  Philadelphia  under  any  disadvantages. 

"  You  are  at  liberty  to  make  use  of  my  remarks  to  Bishop 
White,  if  you  see  fit.         Your  affectionate  brother, 

G.  T.  BEDELL." 

The  following  testimony  to  the  intimacy  which  subsisted 
between  Mr.  Bedell  and  my  brother,  and  the  candour  and 
piety  of  the  former,  I  cannot  withhold — 

"  Hudson,  June  29th. 
"  My  Dear  Brother : — I  find  an  advantage  in  another 
point  of  view.  While  in  Philadelphia,  my  mind  was  so 
engrossed  by  tlie  new  Church,  that  I  have  reason  to  fear 
too  much  selfishness  mingled  with  my  feelings,  and  that 
the  glory  of  our  blessed  Master  was  not  the  feeling  so  en- 
tirely predominant  as  it  ought  to  have  been.  I  have  more 
time  and  more  disposition  for  examination,  and  I  trust  that 
my  residence  here  a  short  time,  may  be  of  advantage,  not 
more  to  body  than  to  spirit.  How  hard  it  is  to  bring  down 
self  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  What  a  contemptible  ambi- 
tion it  would  be,  to  be  merely  desirous  to  be  Rector  of  a 
fine  Church  in  Philadelphia.  I  do  feel  that  I  have  a  much 
nobler  ambition  than  this,  and  I  desire  to  be  instrumental 
in  bringing  some  souls  to  Christ,  and  I  pray  against  the 
leaven  of  pride  and  selfishness,  which  are  thorns  in  the 
sides  of,  I  fear,  too  many.  May  God  of  His  grace,  make 
me  to  feel  what  a  poor  vile  thing  I  am,  that  I  may  always 
know  my  place.     Your  affectionate  brother  in  Christ  Jesus, 

G.  T.  BEDELL." 
In  another  letter  to  my  brother,  Mr.  Bedell  observes — 
"  In  the  direction  Avhich  I  left  with  Mr.  Thackara,  for  the 
inscription  on  the  corner-stone,  I  mentioned,  that  among 
the  articles  which  would  be  deposited,  was  your  address." 


296  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  Address — 

"  We  are  assembled  to  commemorate  no  deeds  of  wo,  to 
give  origin  to  no  column,  which,  as  it  rises  to  the  clouds, 
shall  tell  of  tears,  of  groans,  and  slaughter.  We  are  laying 
the  foundation  of  a  triumphal  arch,  it  is  true,  but  on  that 
arch  are  to  be  inscribed  the  victories  of  Jesus.  Yes,  here, 
as  we  hope,  shall  a  temple  rest,  which,  as  it  stands  amid  the 
lapse  of  time,  shall  echo  on  that  glorious  Gospel — '  So 
God  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only-begotten  Son, 
to  the  end,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him,  might  not 
perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.'  The  meek,  the  mild, 
the  merciful  religion  of  our  Immanuel,  here  shall  have  a 
home.  Within  these  walls,  ascending  to  our  view,  shall 
many  come,  from  the  din  of  a  careless  world,  to  listen  to 
the  warnings  of  the  sacred  page  ;  the  influences  of  the  Spirit 
shall  here,  as  we  trust,  descend,  to  convince  them  they  are 
sinners ;  the  cross  of  atoning  Calvary  shall  here,  we  be- 
lieve, be  revealed,  to  publish  forgiveness;  and  the  prayer 
of  acceptable  devotion  shall  here,  as  we  hope,  be  offered, 
through  a  Redeemer's  merit. 

"  And  is  not  this  a  deed  of  gratulation  ?  We  are  disposed 
to  rejoice  when  health  pervades  our  city,  and  smiling  con- 
tentment sits  within  our  peaceful  dwellings  ;  and  shall  we 
not,  fellow-citizens,  rejoice,  when  another  is  adding  to  our 
tabernacles  of  piety  ?  Oh !  methinks  there  are  bright  ones 
hovering  round,  who  contemplate  this  scene  with  trans- 
port. They,  from  their  bowers  of  rest,  came  heralding  the 
new-born  Saviour  ;  they,  o'er  the  spot  of  his  sepulchre, 
waved  their  silvery  wings ;  there  is  joy  among  their  hosts 
at  the  repentance  of  a  single  soul,  and,  think  you,  this  event 
is  by  them  unnoticed  ?  Here,  when  the  Redeemer  was  re- 
vealed— here  waved  a  heathen  forest :  here,  for  the  lapse 
of  long,  long  centuries,  here  was  the  home  of  spiritual 
night :  no  Bible  shone  to  dissipate  the  gloom  ;  no  day-star 
rose  to  tell  of  heavenly  hope  ;  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  297 

the  untutored  native  went,  without  a  preacher :  but  now 
the  bloom,  foretold  by  the  prophet,  is  flourishing ;  the  sweet 
stillness  of  the  holy  morn  beholds  our  multitudes  crowding 
their  numerous  sanctuaries,  to  pay  their  homage  to  the 
Babe  of  Bethlehem.  And,  think  you,  that  angels  do  not 
rejoice,  as,  in  this  congregating  hour,  we  lay  our  corner- 
stone ?  Oh,  yes — those  celestial  visitants  will  here  wait, 
and  here  watch,  and  here  minister.  They  will  abide  un- 
seen, within  these  rising  walls,  to  catch  the  first  notices  of 
the  renewing  spirit,  and  fleetly  bear  the  tidings  to  the  hosts 
above,  of  another,  and  another,  and  another  penitent.  And 
shall  not  we  be  glad?  Is  there  a  soul  here  present,  without 
one  taint  of  sin  ?  Let  him,  if  he  choose,  withhold  his  voice 
of  joy.  Is  there  a  creature  of  the  dust  who  has  never 
tasted  sorrow?  He  may,  if  he  please,  refuse  to  join  the 
angels.  Is  there  a  mortal  here  who  has  made  an  agree- 
ment with  death  ?  He  too,  may  call  home  his  accents  from 
our  song  of  gladness.  But  all  who  feel  as  sinners  ought, 
must  raise  an  hallelujah  for  another  Bethel. 

"  Tell  me,  what  is  it  speaks  the  improvement  of  a  city  ? 
What  constitutes  it  brightest  ornament?  What  proclaims 
to  the  passing  stranger,  an  advance  in  all  that  is  desirable? 
Surely  not  a  crowded  mart,  for  there  may  reign  unrighte- 
ousness ; — not  the  elegance  of  private  dwellings,  for  there 
may  rest  luxury  ;  nor  yet  battlements  proud  towering  to 
the  sky.  W^e  go  among  the  ruins  of  Athens,  and  we  gather 
up  her  glories,  and  we  read  her  monuments,  and  we  wonder 
at  their  beauty.  But  of  what  do  they  tell  ?  Of  Venus  and 
of  Bacchus.  We  are  overwhelmed  by  the  magnificence 
of  Babylon,  as  it  shines  on  our  view  from  the  historic  page  ; 
we  are  astonished  at  the  grandeur  of  Rome  as  we  spell  out 
her  storied  columns ;  but  are  they  not  heralds  of  supersti- 
tion and  of  blood  ?  The  true  record  of  a  city's  greatness, 
is  the  array  of  her  temples  of  devotion,  where  the  name  of 
Jesus  is  repeated,  and  the  lessons  of  Jesus  are  read,  and 
c  2 


2f)9  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

the  praise  of  Jesus  is  echoed,  and  to  the  Father,  the  Son,  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  ascends  the  clouds  of  incense.  There  is 
the  fountain  of  justice — thence  go  forth  the  streams  of 
piety.  A  mild  light  beams  from  those  altars,  to  shine 
through  all  the  surrounding  habitations.  There  are  the 
young  trained  to  holiness.  There  are  the  aged  counselled 
to  faith.  There  are  children  and  children's  children.— 
Yes,  fathers  and  mothers,  there  shall  our  children,  and 
our  children's  children,  follow  our  footsteps,  and  occupy 
our  places,  when  we  shall  be  dwelling  with  the  clods  of  the 
valley.  There  shall  they  learn  the  precepts  we  have  learned, 
and  there  shall  they  be  fitted  to  join  us  in  our  rest.  Rather 
let  the  traveller  from  the  shores  of  Europe,  when  he  comes 
to  scan  our  character,  return  to  tell  of  our  places  of  prayer, 
than  our  palaces  of  luxury.  The  former  are  a  nation's 
bulwark,  the  latter  a  nation's  ruin. 

"  A  word,  and  T  have  done.  The  influences  of  the  Spirit, 
and  they  alone,  can  make  this  work  redound  to  the  Re- 
deemer's glory.  The  influences  of  the  Spirit  are  given  to 
fervent  prayer.  We  ask  you,  then,  one  and  all,  to  continue 
to  present  your  supplications,  that  the  priests  who  here,  from 
time  to  time,  shall  minister,  may  be  clothed  with  salvation  ; 
and  the  people  who  here,  from  time  to  time,  shall  worship, 
may  be  adorned  with  righteousness,  and  that,  in  the  great 
final  day,  when  the  records  of  this  temple  are  unrolled 
before  the  judgment-seat,  it  may  appear  that  very  many 
have  found  it  '  none  other  than  the  house  of  God,  and  the 
gate  of  Heaven.' " 

The  Editor  of  the  Philadelphia  Recorder,  in  noticing  the 
consecration  of  the  Church,  observes — 

"  The  rapidity  with  which  this  structure  has  been  carried 
up,  is  remarkable.  The  corner-stone  was  laid  in  Septem- 
ber last.  Nine  months  ago,  the  stone  which  forms  part  of 
the  fabric,  was  unquarried — the  bricks  were  unburnt — the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN,  299 

wool,  out  of  which  the  lining  of  the  pews  has  been  made, 
was  on  the  back  of  the  sheep." 

From  the  Report  of  Bishop  White  to  the  Convention  of 
1824,  we  learn  that,  on  the  31st  May,  1823,  he  "conse- 
crated to  the  service  of  Almighty  God,  St.  Andrew's 
Church,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  preached  on  that 
occasion." 

I  also  add  the  following,  which  was  found  among  the 
papers  of  1823 — 

"  My  Dear  Brother  Allen  : — As  the  prime  mover,  and, 
under  the  blessing  of  God,  I  may  say  the  builder  of  my 
Church,  I  know  none  other  so  fit  to  take  charge  during 
my  absence.  The  lecture  on  Tuesday  evening  next,  at 
8  o'clock,  I  hope  you  will  not  fail  to  see  supplied  :  you  can 
either  give  notice  that  it  will  be  regularly  continued,  or 

put  it  off  for  a  fortnight." "  Send  a  line  to  Hudson, 

should  any  thing  important  occur. 

*'  I  remain  your  friend  and  brother, 

G.  T.  BEDELL." 

A  second  Church  was  set  in  motion.  My  brother  suc- 
ceeded in  establishing  as  a  missionary  station,  Francisville, 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  city.  The  Rev.  Norman  Nash  was 
the  Missionary.  In  order  to  support  this  mission,  my 
brother  organized  a  special  Female  Missionary  Society  :  it 
was  chiefly  composed  of  the  members  of  his  Bible-class. 
The  plan  of  this  society  was  to  support  the  Missionary  ; 
and  all  money  raised,  over  and  above  his  support,  was  to  be 
applied  to  the  erection  of  a  church  at  the  station.  By  the 
blessing  of  God,  the  society  was  so  prospered  as  to  perse- 
vere in  their  work  until  the  church  was  completed,  and 
delivered  up  into  the  hands  of  a  Vestry.  It  was  finished  ofi" 
with  benches  and  not  pews  :  thus  it  was  peculiarly  designed 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  poor. 


300  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Mr.  Nash  continued  faithful  to  the  mission  till  the 
Church  was  organized  and  a  more  important  field  was  pre- 
sented. 

The  building  was  consecrated  in  June,  1824,  by  the 
Right  Rev.  William  White,  Bishop  of  Pennsylvania.  At  the 
conclusion  of  the  exercises,  my  brother  addressed  the 
people. 

A  portion  of  the  profits  of  my  brother's  Sermons  on  the 
Trinity  was  also  given  to  the  above  object.  An  individual 
having  disposed  of  a  number  of  copies,  gave  him  the 
money  ;  he  received  it,  and  then  returned  one-half  the 
amount  to  the  person,  with  the  request  to  give  it  to  St. 
Matthew's  Church  in  that  person's  name.  This  little  inci- 
dent shows  that  in  every  way  he  was  labouring  to  do  good, 
und  also  that  he  was  not  so  anxious  to  be  known  in  the 
work. 

Besides  his  other  publications,  he  very  much  promoted 
the  publication  of  a  small  religious  paper,  entitled  the 
"  Church  Record.''''  It  appears  that  the  object  of  this  pub- 
lication was  the  promotion  of  the  cause  of  the  Church  and 
Missions  ;  and  the  immediate  profits  of  the  work  to  be 
devoted  to  missionary  purposes.  The  editorial  duties  of 
this  paper  ostensively  devolved  upon  a  few  of  the  clergy  of 
Philadelphia,  but  it  is  manifest  that  my  brother  was  promi- 
nent in  the  active  duties. 

He  wrote  to  me—  "  September  18th,  1822. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — It  would  have  given  me  great  pleasure 
to  have  visited  you  and  witnessed  your  consecration,"  (a 
new  church  in  my  parish)  "  but  my  duties  were  too  nume- 
rous, and  really  from  the  formidable  array  presented  in 
your  list  of  expected  clergymen,  it  needed  not  my  presence. 
Some  other  time  my  visit  may  do  much  more  good.  And 
now  I  congratulate  you,  and  hope  you  may  have  the  joy  of 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  301 

seeing  many  profiting  within  those  walls.  Will  you  do  me 
the  favour  to  send  immediately  a  notice  of  the  consecra- 
tion, that  I  may  publish  it  in  the  Record?  And  seriously, 
Thomas,  I  would  urge  this  publication  on  your  attention 
for  various  reasons  : — 1st.  Intelligence,  what  the  Church  is 
doing,  and  of  her  wants,  circulated  among  your  people,  is 
calculated  to  attach  them  much  more,  and  to  arouse  them 
to  action.  The  Repertory  circulate  for  essays — 'tis  good  ; 
but  facts,  the  Record  will  give,  and  every  week,  for  one 
dollar." "  This  little  work  will  prove  a  great  weapon. 

"  2d.  For  the  love  of  souls.  We  wish,  by  circulating 
information,  to  arouse  the  people  to  act  for  Missions  :  and 
unless  you  ministers  will  aid  us,  we  can  do  nothing. 
Dozens  of  the  publications  of  others  are  scattered  abroad, 
and  we  must  be  very  active  to  spread  our  intelligence. 
You  will  get  all  the  facts  earliest,  and  your  people.  The 
back  numbers  will  be  sent  to  all. 

«  Truly,  your's,  B.  ALLEN." 

November  7th,  he  again  wrote — "  The  Church  Record 
becomes  more  interesting.  We  have  made  some  exertions 
here.     I  suppose  'tis  sent  you." 

A  clergyman  wrote   to  my   brother   from  the  western 

country — 

"August  24th,  1822. 

*'  Since  I  left  home,  for  I  am  now  upon  a  missionary 

tour  through  the  western  part  of  this  state ,  1  met  with  a 

work  published   under  your  direction,  called  the  Weekly 

Record,  if  I  mistake  not.  This  I  read  with  much  pleasure — 

the  information  as  to  the  state  of  the  Church,  in  different 

parts,  being  new  to  me,  and  unexpected, 

"  Your's,  Sir,  very  sincerely  in  the  Lord, 

CHARLES  H.  PAGE." 


302  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

I  also  add  the  following  testimony — 

"  Philadelphia,  October  28th,  1822. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : — My  principal  object  in  writing 
this   letter   is   to  request  you  to  have  the  copies  of  the 

Record  sent  to .    As  you  have  taken  much  pains  with 

this  publication,  and  as  its  success  very  much  depends 
upon  the  punctuality  with  which  subscribers  are  supplied, 
I  hope  you  will  endeavour  to  impress  upon  Mr.  L.'s  mind, 
the  importance  of  attention  to  this  subject. 

"  Your  brother  in  the  Lord,  affectionately, 

GEORGE  BOYD." 

The  publication  was  on  April  5th,  1823,  superseded 
by  a  paper  of  a  much  larger  size,  entitled  the  "  Philadel- 
phia Recorder."  The  editors,  in  their  introductory  remarks, 
observe — 

"  Some  few  of  the  clergy  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  resid- 
ing in  this  city,  undertook  the  editing  of  a  little  weekly 
paper,  entitled  the  '  Church  Record.'  This,  however,  is 
found  to  have  been  conducted  on  too  small  a  scale,  to  give 
that  general  satisfaction  which  was  desirable  ;  but  the  suc- 
cess of  which  has  emboldened  the  present  editors  to  under- 
take a  much  larger  work,  suitable  to  the  exigencies  of  the 
times,  and  the  loud  demand  of  Episcopalians  for  informa- 
tion in  those  particulars  of  interest,  which  attach  either  to 
the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  their  own  Church,  or  the 
general  advancement  of  that  '  knowledge'  which  one  day 
is  to  '  cover  the  earth,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea.' 

"  They  further-observe,  that  this  change  was  also  '  hast- 
ened^ in  order  to  afford  a  means  of  relief  to  their  publisher, 
who  had  lost  the  '  greater  part  of  his  property'  by  fire." 

They  thus  conclude—- 

"We  feel  that  we  stand  on  elevated  ground,  and  that  our 
readers  will  be  satisfied  with  our  motive  for  the  publica- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  303 

tion,  and  that  they  may  be  induced  to  promote  its  circula- 
tion where  they  may  feel  perfectly  assured,  that  sympathy 
for  the  sufferings  of  our  fellow-citizen — love  for  our  Church 
— and  an  ardent  desire  to  be  even,  in  any  limited  degree, 
instrumental  in  advancing  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom,  have  been  the  motives,  the  sole  motives  of  bring- 
ing into  their  notice,  the  '  Philadelphia  Recorder.^  " 

This  paper  continued  under  the  editorial  direction  of  a 
number  of  the  clerical  brethren,  as  a  Committee  of  Publi- 
cation, until  January  17th,  1824,  when  it  was  placed  under 
the  exclusive  management  of  the  Rev.  E.  R.  Lippitt.  From 
him,  it  finally  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Rev.  G.  T. 
Bedell ;  also  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith,  and  it  now  has  the  exclu- 
sive labours  of  the  Rev.  George  A.  Smith.  Thus,  while 
other  publications  have  risen  and  fallen,  this  still  lives,  and 
now  looks  forward  to  a  more  extensive  circulation  and 
increasing  usefulness. 

Here,  therefore,  is  another  prominent  evidence  of  the 
success  of  my  brother's  efforts  to  do  good,  as  he  was  the 
first  mover  in  the  work ;  and  ever  stood  ready  to  sustain  its 
operations  in  times  of  difl^culty.  I  am  informed,  that  even 
the  Recorder  itself  would  have  entirely  failed  at  one  period, 
had  it  not  been  for  his  timely  and  decided  interference. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


PROMOTES  SOCIETIES  IN  HIS  OWN  CHURCH PUBLIC  LEC- 
TURES  GENERAL  MISSIONARY  AND  BIBLE  SOCIETY PRO- 
VIDENT SOCIETY PUBLIC  SCHOOLS. 


My  brother  not  only  devoted  his  every  faculty  to  the  pro- 
motion of  the  objects  before  him,  but  he  endeavoured  in 
some  way  to  enlist  the  efforts  of  all  around.  We  thus  find 
him  continually  engaged  in  the  organization  or  promotion 
of  various  benevolent  societies. 

In  his  ovi'ii  congregation,  he  devised  a  number  of  plans 
of  usefulness.  He  formed  a  Tract  Society,  for  the  circula- 
tion, chiefly,  of  the  Homilies  of  our  Church.  He  considered 
it  an  important  object  to  bring  prominently  before  the 
minds  of  Episcopalians,  the  peculiar  doctrines  of  the  Gos- 
pel, as  they  were  held  by  the  Reformers. 

By  the  Report  of  this  Society,  made  at  their  annual 
meeting,  in  April,  1824,  it  appears  that  they  circulated 
during  the  year  "  more  than  one  hundred  thousand  pages 
of  tracts.  When  we  reflect  that  these  tracts  are,  in  a  great 
measure,  the  Homilies  of  the  Church,  and  the  lives  of  her 
Reformers,  we  cannot  but  hope,  they  will  prove  eminently 
useful." 

Respecting  this  society,  and  other  movements  among  his 
people,  he  writes  to  me — 

"  Philadelphia,  November  7th,  1822. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — My  duties  are  numerous.  Oh  !  for 
grace  to  perform  them.     Pray  for  me,  I  beseech  you,  that 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  305 

satan  do  not  gain  any  advantage  over  me.  We  have  a 
Tract  Society  in  the  Church,  which  has  published,  besides 
three  Homilies,  the  life  of  Hooper,  of  Wickliffe,  of  Latimer, 
and  an  Address  on  going  to  Church  j  twelve  hundred 
pages  for  a  dollar.  These  are  particularly  useful.  A  Pil- 
more  Society  exists  also,  for  educating  young  men  to  the 
ministry  of  the  Gospel ;  has  one  on  hand  aiding,  and 
another  in  view. 

"The  teachers  who  attend  the  white  Sunday-schools, 
have  established  two  for  blacks,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty 
scholars  :  also  one  on  Friday  night  for  teaching  women  of 
colour  the  principles  of  the  Gospel.  A  Bible-class  for 
young  ladies,  one  hundred  and  fifty — and  one  for  young 
men  exists,  extremely  beneficial.  On  Wednesday  night, 
lecture  on  Psalms — three  times  on  Sunday — on  S  *  *  *  * 
night  on  the  Articles.  Prayer-meetings  several,  by  the 
members.  Thus,  dear  Thomas,  you  have,  as  requested, 
some  account  of  my  labours.  May  they  all  be  made  effec- 
tual; for  indeed,  I  am  a  miserable  sinner.  You  must  come 
and  see  me,  and  then  you  can  see  and  know  all.  May  the 
Lord  keep  us  both  by  power. 

"  Truly  your^s,  B.  ALLEN." 

The  Tract  or  Homily  Society  of  St.  Paul's  Church  is 
still  in  existence :  though  it  is  accomplishing  little  or 
nothing,  as  those  ancient  writings  appear  rather  unfash- 
ionable. 

The  Pilmore  Society,  for  the  education  of  young  men  for 
the  ministry,  has  certainly  done  good.  Though  composed 
of  females,  they  have  assisted  in  the  education  of  five  indi- 
viduals, who  are  now  occupied  in  the  labours  of  the  minis- 
try. At  one  time  they  had  three  young  men  on  their  list. 
This  Society  also  exists,  but  it  will,  I  presume,  be  super- 
seded by  the  Self-supporting  School,  soon  to  be  established 
in  the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia. 

Dd 


306  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

He  received  the  following  grateful  testimony  from  the 
teachers  of  his  Sunday-schools — 

"  Philadelphia,  May  31st,  1825. 
"  The  Rev.  B.  Allen— 

"  Dear  Sir : — The  teachers  of  St.  Paul's  Sunday-schools, 
as  an  evidence  of  their  personal  regard  for  you,  and  also  of 
the  high  estimation  in  which  they  hold  your  services  in  the 
cause  of  Sunday-schools,  have  caused  the  necessary  sum  to 
be  paid  the  Treasurer  of  the  American  Sunday-School 
Union  for  the  purpose  of  constituting  you  a  life-member  of 
that  valuable  Institution.  Allow  me.  Sir,  to  add,  it  is  with 
feelings  of  no  ordinary  gratification,  that  I  have  undertaken 
the  pleasing  duty  of  announcing  to  you  this  fact  ;  and  in 
the  name  and  behalf  of  the  Societies,  accept  Sir,  the  assur- 
ance of  our  warm  attachment  and  personal  regard. 

JOHN  FARR, 
"  In  behalf  of  the  Sunday-school  Teachers 
of  St.  Paul's  Church." 

In  his  anxiety  for  the  salvation  of  the  souls  of  his  people, 
he  did  not  neglect  their  bodies.  He  formed  a  Society  for 
the  benefit  of  the  poor  of  St.  Paul's  Church.  The  imme- 
diate object  of  this  society  was  to  supply  the  poor  mem- 
bers of  the  Church,  once  a  week,  with  groceries  and  other 
comforts. 

The  concerns  of  his  Sunday-schools  required  so  much 
attention,  that  the  labour  of  another  person  was  necessary 
in  lecturing,  visiting  the  scholars  and  parents.  An  addi- 
tional society  was  consequently  organized,  under  the  name 
of  the  Eldred  Missionary  Society.  The  services  of  a  cler- 
gyman were  thus  obtained  for  a  short  time  ;  and  the  funds 
of  the  society  were  finally  given  to  assist  in  furnishing  a 
supply  for  my  brother's  pulpit,  during  his  visit  to  Europe . 

He  was  so  successful  in  his  attempts  to  instruct  the  young 
by  means  of  lectures,  in  connexion  with  the  magic  Ian- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  307 

tern,  that  he  was  finally  led  to  deliver  public  lectures  to  the 
citizens  of  Philadelphia,  on  Sacred  and  Profane  History, 
and  Astronomy.     He  wrote  to  me  on  this  subject — 

"  October  26th,  1825. 
"  Dear  Thomas  : — My  labours,  with  the  young  especially, 
increasing  and  redoubling.  The  plans  with  the  magic 
lantern  are  wonderfully  beneficial.  The  use  is  now  extend- 
ing to  adults,  in  lectures  on  Sacred  and  Profane  History 
connected;  costumes  and  manners  of  eastern  nations 
alluded  to  in  the  Bible  illustrated,  evidences,  &;c.  dtc.  «S2C. 
Could  you  take  a  rapid  trip  here,  you  might  see  the  whole 
system,  and  transplant  it ;  it  is  hardly  describable." 

His  public  lectures  were  for  some  time  delivered  in  the 
Philadelphia  Medical  Society  Hall.  From  the  account  for  the 
use  of  the  room,  it  appears,  that  at  one  period  he  occupied 
the  room  four  times  in  the  week,  Tuesday  evenings,  Mon- 
day, Thursday,  and  Saturday  afternoons,  during  a  part  of 
1825  and  1826. 

The  proceeds  of  the  above  lectures  were  devoted  to  be- 
nevolent objects.  A  friend  informed  me,  that  when  my 
brother  was  making  arrangements  for  his  lectures  on  As- 
tronomy, he  observed  that  his  object  was,  that  as  he  could 
not  obtain  money  from  the  people  for  missionary  purposes 
any  other  way,  he  therefore  adopted  this  course.  His  mo- 
tive is  further  developed,  also  the  favourable  manner  in 
which  his  lectures  were  received,  by  the  following — 

"  The  Directors  of  the  '  Female  Association,'  present 
their  respects  to  Mr.  Allen,  and  acknowledge,  with  many 
thanks,  the  very  liberal  donation  derived  from  his  interest- 
ing and  instructive  lectures  on  Astronomy. 

"February  8th,  1826." 

"  Dear  Sir: — I  had  great  pleasure  in  availing  myself  of 
your  kind  invitation  to  the  introductory  of  last  evening, 
for  which  I  beg  you  to  accept  my  thanks.     And  you  will 


308  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

have  the  goodness  to  permit  me  to  contribute  my  mite 
towards,  and  at  the  same  time  to  profit  by,  a  purpose  so 
liberal  and  useful,  by  sending  me  a  ticket  for  the  course. 
Very  truly  and  respectfully  your's,       W.  MEREDITH. 
«  Rev.  Mr.  Allen." 

On  the  back  of  the  above,  is  endorsed,  in  ray  brother's 
hand — "  Lectures  for  House  of  Refuge." 

"Received,  8th  September,  1826,  of  Rev.  B.  Allen, 
twelve  dollars,  as  part  proceeds  of  his  lectures  for  House  of 
Refuge.  JOHN  S.  HENRY." 

These  lectures  were  not  confined  to  the  Episcopal  com- 
munity, but  were  attended  by  various  denominations. 

My  brother,  discovering  that  his  labours  were  so  accepta- 
ble, and  really  profitable  to  different  benevolent  societies, 
into  whose  treasury  he  cast  the  proceeds,  was  induced  to 
branch  out  on  different  subjects,  and  continue  them  at  least 
for  more  than  a  year. 

The  high  estimate  in  which  his  plans  for  the  instruction 
of  youth  were  held,  is  evidenced,  by  the  following  applica- 
tion to  him — 

"  American  Sunday-School  Union,  } 

Philadelphia,  November  7,  1826.  ] 
«  Rev.  B.  Allen— 

"  Dear  Sir : — At  the  solicitation  of  many  respectable 
individuals  in  different  parts  of  our  country,  the  American 
Sunday-School  Union  have  resolved  to  adopt  measures  to 
promote  the  formation,  and  conducting  of  Bible  Classes, 
and  have  appointed  a  Committee  of  the  Board  to  superin- 
tend this  department ;  to  obtain  and  circulate  information 
on  the  subject ;  employ  agents  to  promote  them,  and  adopt 
such  other  measures  as  may  be  proper  foi  the  attainment 
of  this  important  object.  One  of  the  measures  which  the 
Board  deemed  it  expedient  to  adopt,  is  the  issuing  of  a 
plain  and  simple   plan   for  conducting  Bible  Classes  for 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  309 

adults  ;  to  be  generally  instructed  by  ministers,  and  another 
for  Bible  Classes  for  youth  of  fourteen  years  of  age  and 
upwards,  who  may  eventually  be  admitted  into  the  Pastor's 
Bible  Class.  The  latter  to  be  usually  instructed  by  com- 
petent Sunday-School  teachers. 

"  The  Committee  wish  to  form  a  set  of  rules  which  may 
be  unexceptionable,  and  of  general  adaptation,  and  have 
instructed  me  to  solicit  from  you  such  a  plan,  or  plans,  as 
in  experience  you  have  found  best  fitted  to  answer  the  im- 
portant ends  of  pursuing  the  social  study  of  the  Word  of 
God.  The  deep  interest  which  you  have  manifested  in  this 
department  of  pastoral  duty,  point  the  Committee  to  you 
to  aid  them  in  this  desirable  and  important  work,  and  the 
same  reason  precludes  the  necessity  of  making  an  apology 
for  the  liberty  they  take,  and  they  hope  you  will  consent  to 
furnish  them  with  a  reply,  as  early  as  consistent  with  your 
various  duties.  I  am,  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir,  most  respectfully, 
your's,  «  FREDERICK  W.  PORTER,  Cor.  Sec." 

The  missionary  cause  was  a  favourite  object  with  my 
brother.  He  was  one  of  the  most  active  and  efl^icient 
members  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Society  for  Domestic  and  Foreign  Missions.  The 
contemplated  mission  to  Africa,  especially  excited  his  atten- 
tion. In  fact,  nearly  all  the  movements  in  connexion  with 
this  subject,  appeared  to  originate  with  him. 

The  following  are  the  Resolutions — 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  '  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Domestic  and  Foreign 
Missionary  Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  America,'  at  a  meeting  held  June  1st, 
1822— 

"  Resolved,  on  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen,  that  a 
Mission  School  be  establised  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa; 
and  that  Mr.  Ephraim  Bacon,  the  recently  appointed  school- 
d2 


310  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

master  and  catechist,  be  authorized  to  go  forth  and  make 
the  collections  necessary  to  the  establishment  of  said 
school." 

"  From  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  June  22d." 

"  On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen,  Resolved,  That  a 
Committee  be  appointed  to  superintend  the  establishment 
and  progress  of  the  contemplated  Mission  School  on  the 
western  coast  of  Africa,  and  to  give  all  directions  neces- 
sary thereto." 

"  Whereupon,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen  and  Charles  Wheeler 
were  appointed." 

"  From  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  September  7th." 

"  On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kem- 
per was  added  to  the  Committee  on  Africa;  and  it  was 
directed  to  consult  with  the  Bishop  on  all  important  mat- 
ters coming  within  their  province. 

"  True  extracts  from  the  minutes. 

Attest,     JAMES  MONTGOMERY,  Rcc.  Sec. 

"Philadelphia,  September  18th,  1822. 

"  On  motion  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen, 

Resolved,  That  the  African  Committee  be  empowered, 
in  concurrence  with  the  Bishop,  to  send  out  Mr.  E.  Bacon 
to  collect  funds  for  the  Society.  And  that  they  be  further 
authorized  to  make  such  disposition  of  the  goods  collected 
by  Mr.  E.  Bacon,  for  the  purposes  of  the  Mission  School 
in  Africa,  as  they  may  think  expedient. 

"  A  true  extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, November  19th,  1822. 

"  JAMES  MONTGOMERY,  R.  S." 

The  letters  of  instruction  to  Mr.  Bacon,  while  engaged 
in  the  business  of  the  Society  in  this  country,  were  written 
by  my  brother,  and  he  was  made  the  organ  of  communica- 
tion on  the  concerns  of  the  Society,  not  only  by  Mr.  Bacon, 
but  others. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  SH 

On  this^subject,  I  add  the  following — 

"  Philadelphia,  December  4th,  1822. 

"  Dear  Sir  : — As  Chairman  of  the  Committee  for  Africa, 
appointed  b)'  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Domestic  and 
Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  I  have  been  directed  to  address  you  to  convey  the 
thanks  of  that  Committee  for  the  interest  you  have  mani- 
fested in  behalf  of  the  Mission  School  placed  under  their 
care,  and  for  the  offer  of  facilities  toward  the  establishment 
of  said  school.  Mr.  Bacon  has  mentioned  to  us,  that  you 
contemplate  sending  out  a  vessel  some  time  in  the  course 
of  the  next  season,  for  the  purpose  of  trading  with  the  na- 
tives ;  and,  moreover,  that  you  are  disposed  to  establish  a 
factory  near  the  scite  of  our  school. 

"  We  would  be  much  obliged  to  you  to  communicate 
with  us,  and  would  be  thankful  for  any  information  calcu- 
lated to  aid  us  in  our  important  work. 

"  Your's,  affectionately,  BENJAMIN  ALLEN." 

I  also  have  before  me  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  instruction, 
in  my  brother's  hand,  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Freemen,  appointed 
a  missionary  to  the  State  of  Tennessee.  It  is  dated  June 
24th,  1823.     It  thus  closes— 

"  Referring  you  to  that  Sacred  Volume  which  is  the  guide 
of  all  missionaries,  and  indulging  the  confident  hope,  that 
you  will  be  constant  in  prayer  to  Him,  who  alone  can  make 
any  labour  effectual,  we  pray  that  the  blessing  of  the  Kinw 
of  Zion  may  rest  upon  you.  We  must  beg  the  favour  of 
you  to  write  to  us  frequently,  in  order  that  the  Executive 
Committee  may  be  constantly  informed  of  your  proceedings. 
"  Affectionately,  your  brethren." 

He  was  likewise  one  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the 
Executive  Committee,  which  had  charge  of  the  amount  to 
be  appropriated  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church,  in  the  diocess 
of  Delaware. 


312  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

My  brother  was  also  a  conspicuous  officer  of  the  Society 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  for  the  advancement  of 
Christianity  in  Pennsylvania.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Trus- 
tees, January  13th,  1823,  he  was  elected  Chairman  of  the 
Publishing  Committee.  This  situation  he  held  for  a  num- 
ber of  years ;  from  the  papers  before  me,  he  was  re-elected 
in  1824-26  and  27. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  his  resignation  of  an  appoint- 
ment given  bim  by  the  Managers  of  the  Episcopal  Educa- 
tion Society — 

"Gentlemen  : — With  the  best  wishes  for  the  multiplica- 
tion of  means  for  the  education  of  young  men,  you  will 
permit  me  to  decline  the  appointment  you  have  conferred 
upon  me.  My  undivided  efforts  have  been,  and  must  con- 
tinue to  be,  uniformly  devoted  to  another  society,  which 
has  long  been  established  for  the  same  purpose,  in  my  own 
Church. 

"  Your's,  affectionately,  BENJ'N,  ALLEN. 

"  Philadelphia,  Nov.  9th,  1825." 

He  continually  displayed  an  anxious  desire  to  bring  for- 
ward young  men  into  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel.  And 
they  were  led  to  look  to  him  for  counsel  and  assistance. 
His  favourite  mode  of  rendering  them  aid,  appeared  to  be 
to  urge  them  to  help  themselves,  by  obtaining  subscribers 
for,  or  the  disposing  of,  useful  books.  He  took  advantage 
of  his  own  publications,  and  presented  them  with  a  number 
of  copies,  or  permitted  them  to  dispose  of  them  for  him  on 
advantageous  terms.  He  also  pointed  out  the  course  which 
we  had  pursued  with  so  much  success ;  acting  as  lay- 
readers  in  some  vacant  parishes,  while  pursuing  their  pre- 
paratory studies.  I  believe  that  a  number  of  individuals 
thus  were  helped  on  to  their  Gospel  labours. 

By  the  journal  of  the  Convention  of  1824,  we  learn  that 
the  Conventional  sermon  was  preached  by  my  brother.  By 
that  body,  he  was  also  elected  one  of  the  "  Standing  Com- 


REV.  BENJAMIN"  ALLEN.  313 

mittee  and  Council  of  Advice" — a  deputy  to  the  General 
Convention,  and  one  of  the  Missionary  Committee. 

In  his  parochial  Report  to  that  Convention,  he  gives  as 
the  number  of  "  baptisms,  seventy-three,  (adults,  seven) — 
funerals,  thirty-eight ;  marriages,  eighteen  ;  communicants, 
two  hundred  and  forty-five  (added  within  the  last  year, 
forty-five,)  Sunday-schools,  five — tvi'O  of  which  are  for  chil- 
dren of  colour  ;  Bible-school,  one.  There  are  two  Bible- 
classes  ;  the  Female  Bible  Class  is  well  attended,  the  Male 
Bible  Class  is  small. 

"  The  Homily  Society  still  continues  its  distribution  of 
the  Homilies  and  Lives  of  the  Martyrs,  in  the  form  of  tracts. 

"The  Pilraore  Society,  for  the  support  of  students  of 
Divinity,  continues  to  furnish  aid  to  two  young  men. 

"  A  building  has  recently  been  purchased  for  the  use  of 
Sunday-schools." 

My  brother,  as  has  been  evident  throughout  his  history, 
was  not  content  quietly  to  pursue  the  plain  beaten  path  of 
effort,  but  he  was  continually  branching  out  in  new  plans 
of  usefulness  and  new  spheres  of  action.  In  a  letter  to  me, 
dated  January  17th,  1825,  he  observes — 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — The  Holy  Ghost,  I  hope,  will  descend 
in  its  abundance  upon  your  congregations  more  and  more. 
Here  we  are  much  in  need.  Mr.  Boyd,  and  self,  went  to 
Jersey  last  week  to  preach,  &c.,  with  Mr.  Wilmer's  peo- 
ple and  others.     We  were  much  encouraged. 

"  This  month,  I  open  one  or  two  extra  services.  May 
the  Lord  be  in  the  midst  of  us.  Oh  !  when  we  see  precious 
souls  perishing  we  ought  to  labour. 

"  The  summons  of  Gen.  Harper  to  eternity  has  affected 
me  much.  No  time  is  to  be  lost.  May  we  be  much  in 
earnest.  My  situation  requires  a  vast  share  of  prayer  and 
faithfulness.  May  the  Almighty  convert  us  all.  Love 
from  all  to  all.  Trulv,  vour's,  B." 


314  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

The  Bible  Society  also  occupied  his  attention  and  shared 
his  labours.  When  the  destitute  situation  of  South  Ame- 
rica was  brought  to  view,  and  a  society  was  organized  in 
Philadelphia  for  the  supply  of  that  region  with  the  Word  of 
God,  my  brother  was  placed  at  the  head  of  that  society  : 
and  one  of  the  last  public  meetings  which  he  attended  pre- 
vious to  his  European  voyage,  was  with  reference  to  this 
society,  on  which  occasion  he  presided. 

The  following  is  a  notice  of  that  meeting,  which  ap- 
peared in  my  brother's  Magazine,  March,  1828. 

"  Scriptures — South  America. — A  public  meeting  of 
young  men  and  others,  desirous  of  promoting  the  circula- 
tion of  the  Scriptures  in  South  America,  was  held  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  corner  of  Third  and  Arch  streets,  on 
Monday  evening,  17th  inst. 

"  Rev.  B.  Allen  in  the  Chair, 

"  J.  B.  Mitchell,  Secretary. 

"  The  meeting  was  opened  with  prayer,  by  the  Rev.  J. 
H.  Kennedy. 

"  After  some  introductory  remarks  by  the  Chairman,  the 
Constitution  of  the  Young  Men's  Association,  formed  to  aid 
in  spreading  the  Scriptures  in  South  America,  was  read : 
together  with  an  Address  of  the  Committee  of  that  Asso- 
ciation, detailing  interesting  and  highly  important  facts, 
concerning  the  state  of  South  America.  A  motion  to  print 
that  address  was  then  made  and  seconded.  Animated  and 
impressive  addresses  were  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cham- 
bers, of  the  Presbyterian,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Staughton,  of  the 
Baptist,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mervin,  of  the  Methodist 
Church. 

"The  meeting  was  closed  with  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Krauth,  of  the  German  Lutheran  Church. 

"  At  the  close  of  the  meeting  an  encouraging  subscription 
was  made  to  promote  the  objects  of  the  society.     May  the 


I 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  315 

Most  High  carry  forward  by  his  blessing  this  most  magni- 
ficent design,  to  the  deliverance  of  every  captive  soul  in 
South  America !" 

His  wide  expanded  soul  not  only  embraced  all  plans  for 
the  conversion  of  souls,  and  evangelizing  the  nations ;  but 
other  means  for  the  melioration  of  the  condition  of  his  suf- 
fering fellows  were  sedulously  encouraged  by  him. 

By  a  receipt  signed  by  Gerard  Ralston,  Treasurer  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Colonization  Society,  dated  December 
6th,  1826,  we  learn  that  he  was  a  life-member  of  that 
Society. 

The  Provident  Society  of  Philadelphia  for  the  employ- 
ment of  the  poor,  was  organized  January  21st,  1824 — 
Bishop  White  was  elected  President.  My  brother  was 
very  active  in  setting  this  society  in  motion.  He  assisted 
in  drafting  the  address  to  the  public.  In  fact,  one  of  the 
Committee,  appointed  with  my  brother  to  prepare  this 
address,  informed  me,  that  when  he  saw  my  brother's  draft, 
he  was  so  much  gratified  with  it,  that  he  thought  it  quite 
unnecessary  to  attempt  any  thing  himself. 

The  following  is  extracted  from  the  minutes  of  the  meet- 
ing, at  the  organization — 

"  At  a  large  and  respectable  meeting  of  citizens,  con- 
vened for  the  purpose  of  taking  into  consideration  the 
alarming  increase  of  pauperism — the  distressed  state  of 
numerous  estimable  individuals  destitute  of  employment, 
and  the  best  means  of  remedying  those  evils :  the  Right 
Rev.  William  White,  D.  D.,  was  called  to  the  chair,  and 
Matthew  Carey  appointed  Secretary.  The  meeting  was 
opened  by  an  eloquent  address  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen, 
who  detailed  a  number  of  very  interesting  facts  occurring 
in  this  country,  and  in  Europe,  to  prove  the  necessity  of 
adopting  some  efficient  system  to  prevent  the  growth  of 


316  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

pauperism,  and  the  important  benefits  which  have  resulted 
from  such  systems  wherever  they  had  a  fair  trial. 

The  following  resolution  was  offered  to  the  meeting  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen,  and  unanimously  adopted — 

"  Resolved,  That  it  is  extremely  important  to  provide 
employment  for  the  poor  of  this  City  and  Liberties." 

As  to  the  interest  my  brother  felt  in  the  concerns  of  the 
Society  after  its  organization,  I  present  the  following  testi- 
mony with  which  a  friend  has  kindly  favoured  me — 

"  Rev.  Sir : — Understanding  from  Mrs.  Allen,  the  widow 
of  your  much  respected  brother,  that  you  are  '  engaged  in 
writing  a  sketch  of  his  life,  I  beg  leave  to  add  to  the 
memory  of  departed  worth,  by  stating  some  few  particu- 
lars,' which  came  within  my  immediate  notice.  Some  few 
years  back  a  Society  was  formed,  called  the  Provident  So' 
ciety,  for  supplying  the  poor  but  industrious  females  with 
work,  to  assist  them  in  support  of  themselves  and  families. 
I  was  engaged  in  keeping  the  accounts,  and  managing  the 
internal  concerns  of  the  house,  where  the  work  was  given 
out  to  applicants." — "  It  was  with  great  pleasure  I  witnessed 
the  zeal  and  attention  your  brother  displayed  in  promoting 
and  carrying  into  complete  effect  the  object  of  the  Society. 
Very  often  have  I  seen  him  receiving  from  the  hands  of 
those  persons  employed,  the  work  completed,  and  paying 
them  the  small  pittance  allowed ;  also  delivering  to  them, 
and  others,  a  further  supply  of  employment.  He  was  the 
principal,  if  not  the  first,  to  establish  a  department  called 
the  Straiv  Room,  for  the  employment  of  the  juvenile  part 
of  those  families." — "  He  would  often  give  them  lectures 
on  religious  subjects,  and  established  prayers,  and  a  hymn, 
mornings  and  evenings,  which  was  strictly  attended  to.  He 
was  active  in  procuring  the  assistance  of  several  ladies,  for 
cutting  out  garments  distributed  to  the  working  persons. 
And  as  setting  the  example,  Mrs.  Allen  kindly  assisted  in 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  317 

the  same.  In  short,  he  was  unwearied  in  his  exertions  for 
the  firm  establishment  of  the  Provident  Society.       *      * 

"  Accept,  dear  Sir,  the  sincere  respects  of  your  friend,  &c. 

"ROBERT  PULLEN. 

"  Philadelphia,  December  13th,  1830." 

My  brother  was  also,  January  17th,  1824,  "  appointed  by 
the  Select  and  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  Philadelphia, 
a  Director  of  the  Public  Schools,  for  the  education  of  chil- 
dren at  public  expense,  for  the  first  section  of  the  first 
School  District  of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania." — He  was  re- 
appointed in  1825,  26,  and  27.  The  duties  connected  with 
this  appointment,  likewise  required  considerable  attention, 
especially  from  hi7n  who  spared  no  labours  in  doing  good. 

On  this  subject  I  have  the  testimony  of  a  lady,  whose 
situation  enabled  her  particularly  to  notice  his  movements. 
She  observes,  in  a  letter  to  myself — 

"  The  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  with  his  usual  Christian 
zeal  and  disinterestedness,  fulfilled  the  various  duties  of  an 
attentive  and  faithful  Director.  In  the  spring  of  1825,  he 
delivered  lectures  on  Scripture  History  and  Astronomy,  in 
connexion  with  the  magic  lantern,  in  the  Lombard  Street 
Public  School ;  we  have  reason  to  believe,  they  were  pro- 
ductive of  lasting  benefit.  Each  child  with  delight  was 
eager  to  be  the  first  to  give  a  correct  answer  to  his  ques- 
tions. They  committed  to  memory,  and  recited  many  por- 
tions  of  Scripture,  illustrative  of  the  different  views  pre- 
sented to  them. 

"  We  have  much  reason  to  believe  he  had  their  spiritual, 
as  well  as  temporal  interest,  deeply  at  heart.  And  we  hope, 
through  the  merits  of  a  blessed  Redeemer,  he  is  now  reap- 
ing the  reward  of  the  faithful  and  just  steward. 

"  The  female  teacher,  E.  R.  E," 

I  also  annex  the  following — 

"Rev.  Benjamin  Allen — Sir:  At  a  meeting  of  the  Board 

EC 


318  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

of  Directors  of  the  Public  Schools,  first  section,  held  April 
26th,  1825,  the  following  resolution  was  passed  : — 

"  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Board  be  presented 
to  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  for  his  benevolent  offer  to 
instruct  the  children  of  the  Public  Schools  in  Scripture 
History,  and  that  the  teachers  be  required  to  afford  him 
every  facility,  and  to  make  any  necessary  arrangements  to 
effect  his  object.  Your  obedient  servant, 

"  CLEMENT  S.  MILLER,  Secretary. 

"April  27th,  1825." 

Though  his  engagements  were  thus  diversified,  and  his 
labours  truly  overwhelming  to  any  ordinary  mind  or  body, 
yet,  I  am  informed,  he  punctually  attended  to  all  his  ap- 
pointments. 

His  pecuniary  embarrassment  still  followed  him.  I  was 
enabled  to  render  him  assistance  by  circulating  some  of  his 
publications.     This  he  gratefully  acknowledges. 

"October  18th,  1824. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — Your  very  acceptable  letter,  and  sea- 
sonable help,  came  duly.  The  latter  deserves  my  sincere 
acknowledgments,  for  it  was  most  seasonable.  My  circum- 
stances, in  consequence  of  efforts  to  extinguish  old  matters, 
will  need  aid  this  autumn,  and  winter  especially  ;  and  I  am 
thankful  for  the  prospect,  as  well  as  for  the  fact,  of  help 
through  you." — "  One  demand  has  got  into  a  lawyer's  hands, 
but  it  is  in  part  met. 

"  The  Lord  is  good  in  all  his  doings.  They  are  neces- 
sary, even  the  disciplining  ones;  and  sometimes  1  almost 
fear  even  they  are  not  enough.  My  heart  has  so  much  evil 
it  needs  much  grace.  Pray  for  me  and  for  our  father. 
The  Lord  bless  you  all.     Love  to  all. 

"  Truly  as  ever,  B.  A." 


CHAPTER  XX. 


BIRTH   OF    CHILDREN HEALTH   FAILS JOURNEY   TO  VIRGI- 
NIA  ALSO    TO    CANADA PUBLISHES    NEWTON    FAMILY — " 

ELECTION  OF  ASSISTANT  BISHOP. 

On  the  birth  of  his  fifth  child,  October  27th,  my  brother 
wrote  to  me — 

"Philadelphia,  November  7th,  1822. 
"Dear    Thomas: — You   have   another   nephew,  named 
Benjamin.    He,  however,  is  so  much  oppressed  with  phlegm, 
that  his  living  is  very  doubtful.     May  the  Lord  make  him 
His,  and  all  else  is  of  very  little  moment. 

"  Truly  yours,  B.  ALLEN." 

On  the  birth  of  his  sixth  and  last  child,  he  also  writes 
to  me — 

"  A  sixth  little  one  now  is  added  to  our  number — a  son, 
we  call  him  Henry  Thornton — the  Christian  benefactor  of 
Buchanan  and  others.  I  pray  God  to  sanctify  and  make 
him  a  blessing."     September  21st,  1827. 

He  was  born  August  20th. 

While  on  this  subject  1  would  add,  that  my  brother  ob- 
served, that  though  he  had  the  expectation  of  considerable 
property  on  two  different  occasions  in  his  life,  yet  he  felt 
thankful  that  it  was  withheld  from  him,  and  had  reason  to 
praise  the  Lord.  And  as  to  his  children,  the  Lord  would 
provide  for  them ;  none  of  his  plans  embraced  temporal 
aggrandizement  for  them.  He  was  particularly  opposed  to 
their  being  engaged  in  mercantile  business,  as  it  was  a 


320  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

scene  of  such  peculiar  temptation.  If  his  children  were 
not  qualified  for  clergymen  or  teachers,  he  wished  them  to 
be  mechanics. 

As  might  well  have  been  anticipated,  from  his  unprece- 
dented labours,  his  frail  body  soon  began  to  fail  him.  In 
the  summer  of  1823,  he  must  have  been  seriously  diseased. 
On  these  occasions  he  endeavoured  to  present  the  most 
favourable  symptoms  to  his  friends.  Thus  it  was  difficult 
for  me,  especially  at  a  distance,  to  ascertain  his  real  situa- 
tion.    He  wrote  to  me — 

"September,  1823. 

"  Dear  Thomas : — My  health  has  been  rather  more  pre- 
carious than  usual,  this  summer." — "  I  am  now  very  well, 
as  much  so  as  ever.  During  the  summer  I  was  unwell, 
but  that  is  all  over,  and  probably  I  am  the  better  for  it." 

Shortly  after  the  above,  he  also  was  called  to  pass  through 
the  small-pox.     The  report  of  bis  death  reached  me,  and 
filled  me  with  painful  anxiety,  until  1  received  a  letter  from 
himself. 
He  writes —  "January  29th,  1824. 

"Dear  Thomas: — You  would  have  heard  particularly 
about  my  small-pox,  but  before  I  wrote  you  last,  I  was  per- 
fectly well.  It  was  in  December  I  was  attacked,  or  the 
last  of  November,  and  in  a  week  or  two,  very  well ;  and 
ever  since,  have  been  much  better  than  before.  So  my 
life  is  lengthened,  and  may  the  Lord  help  us  both  to  serve 
him." 

With  reference  to  his  own  health,  and  the  health  of  his 
wife,  my  brother  travelled  both  north  and  south.  By  a 
letter  of  August  11th,  1823,  he  informed  me  of  having 
just  returned  from  a  visit  to  Hudson. 

During  the  summer  of  1824,  he,  with  part  of  his  family, 
visited  me  in  Montgomery  County,  Maryland.  He  preached 
in  both  of  my  churches.  From  thence  he  passed  on  to  his 
old  parishes  in  Virginia. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  321 

Relative  to  this  visit  he  writes —  July  17th. 

"  Dear  Thomas : — We  hope  to  leave  the  second  day  of 
August,  and  get  to  Rockville  third,  in  the  evening.  My 
old  Parish  must  have  Sunday,  August  eighth.  The  time  I 
can  spend  from  home  is  very  uncertain,  in  consequence  of 
the  difficulty  of  procuring  supply.  As  yet,  1  have  none 
engaged,  though  am  in  treaty  for  some.  If  any  preaching 
in  the  week  will  be  of  use,  Wednesday  or  Thursday  would 
be  the  days,  and  if  you  choose,  twice  each  day. 

B.  A." 

On  his  return  from  the  south,  he  again  wrote  to  me — 

"  Philadelphia,  August  31st,  1824. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — We  arrived  home  in  safety,  on  Friday 
evening  last,  after  a  laborious  tour  to  myself.  The  first 
nine  days  after  arriving  in  the  valley,  I  was  a  complete  mis- 
sionary every  day  ;  not  more  than  three  or  four  days  was  I 
resting  afterward.  All  the  congregations  were  visited. 
There  was  much  to  instruct,  and  something  to  encourage. 
The  old  converts  were  standing  firm ;  that  was  encouraging. 
Some  were  dead  of  those  not  converted.  The  deaths,  you 
know,  were  numerous.  Yes,  I  felt  encouraged  to  labour 
on.     We  cannot  tell  which  shall  prosper,  this  or  that. 

"  Your  plain  people,  at  the  country  parish  especially,  arc 
a  most  interesting  field,  well  calculated  to  give  you  souls 
for  your  hire.  Labours  among  them,  especially  with  the 
vast  body  of  young  there,  must  be  infinitely  important. 
May  you  be  strengthened  and  encouraged  to  put  forth 
every  effort.  The  Lord  is  sufficient.  He  can  overcome 
all  obstacles.  May  his  grace  rest  upon  you." — "  We  hope 
you  are  well.  If  otherwise — if  Sarah  is  worse,  or  no  more, 
the  Lord  sanctify  your  souls,  and  make  it  for  your  good. 
"  Truly  your's.     Love  to  all.  B.  ALLEN." 

He  again  writes —  "October  18th. 

"  We  are  well.     My  health  mucli  as  usual.     The  good 
e2 


322  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

of  the  Church  requires  three  times  preaching,  which  affects* 
me,  but  not  essentially.  Hard  work  is  better  than  indo- 
lence. We  have  nothing  especially  encouraging.  May 
the  Lord  pour  out  upon  us  his  Holy  Spirit.  We  are  much 
in  need  of  that."  *  *  *  * 

I  was  informed  that  finally  his  efforts  were  so  prejudicial, 
that  after  preaching  three  times  on  the  Sabbath,  he  would 
spend  part  of  the  night  spitting  blood. 

In  all  his  movements  he  prominently  displays  an  evan- 
gelical spirit,  ardent  aspirations  after  more  grace  and  ho- 
liness for  himself  and  his  fellows. 

He  gives  me  the  following  account  of  the  Convention  of 
the  Church — 

"Philadelphia,  June  29th,  1825, 
"  Doubtless  you  are  of  opinion,  dear  brother,  it  is  time 
for.  me  to  give  you  some  account  of  our  Convention.  It 
was  very  large,  more  so  than  usual.  There  were  some  dis- 
cussions, and  some  discrepancy  of  sentiment.  We  had 
preaching  every  evening.  Our  Conventions  are  becoming 
•more  interesting.  We  increase.  But  we  yet  need  a  large 
outpouring  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  May  we  be  indulged  with 
it.     All  need  more  of  the  Spirit. 

"  One  revival  last  year  in  brother  Bull's  congregation. 
Several  new  Churches  built  and  building.  Bishop  White 
is  now  on  a  tour.  We  this  summer  have  been  visited  with 
much  sickness.  H."  (his  wife,)  "  is  now  violently  affected 
with  dyspepsia.  We  go  to-morrow  to  Burlington,  and  are 
to  keep  going  as  much  as  possible.  In  a  few  weeks  I  ex- 
pect to  go  to  New- York,  then  to  Hudson  and  Whitesba- 
rough,  if  the  Lord  will." 

"  My  History  is  just  closing.  The  last  number  in  the 
press.  Will  you  send  me  by  mail  whatever  money  you 
have  ?  Without  that,  I  can  hardly  go,  and  the  last  week  in 
next  month,  I  ought  to  be  in  New-York." 

^  We  need  more  of  the  operations  of  grace  here  in  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  323 

city.  I  look  for  a  pestilence,  such  is  the  growing  breach 
of  the  Sabbath.  Nothing  special  is  occurring  favourable. 
May  the  Lord  draw  nigh  in  mercy.  B.  ALLEN." 

My  brother  was  enabled  to  accomplish  his  journey  to  the 
north.  It  was  an  interesting  tour.  He  proceeded  as  far  as 
Canada.  In  his  correspondence  with  his  wife,  he  gave  a 
connected  account  of  his  movements.  The  following 
extracts  are  presented — 

"  New- York,  August  2d,  Tuesday. 

"  Dear  Harriot: — About  seven  last  evening,  I  arrived  here. 

We  had  a  very  pleasant  journey.     The  ride  was  cool  and 

airy,  and  over  in  four  hours ;  but  we  came  up  through  the 

narrows,  by  Sandy  Hook,  and  for  some  time  I   was  very 

sick.     I  suppose  it  did  me  good.     All  here  are  well." 

"  The  rain  this  morning  detains  me  to-day  in  New- York, 
but  to-morrow  at  ten,  I  expect  to  go  up  the  river  in  the 
Lady  Clinton.  A  letter  would  reach  me  directed  to 
Whitesborough,    Oneida    County,    New-York.     You    can 

write    the  first   of  next  week." "  Our  congregation  I 

am  anxious  about,  that  God  would  in  much  mercy  pour  out 
his  Spirit  and  convert  the  souls  of  the  people.  May  He 
bless  the  death  of  Dr.  Pilmore  to  them.  Mr.  D.  I  expect 
to  preach  next  week,  Wednesday,  and  also  the  week  after." 

"  Mr.  K.   preaches  to-morrow  evening.     Take  good 

care  of  the  little  ones.  Give  them  very  ripe  fruit ;  (as 
water-mellons  or  peaches,)  not  too  much. 

"  Your's,  truly— love  to  all.  B.  A." 

"Friday  evening,  Aug.  5th,  1825. 
"  I  am  now  on  board  the  first  canal-boat  on  my  way  to 
Utica,  where  I  expect  to  arrive  to-morrow  evening  and  to 
spend  Sunday  either  there  or  at  Whitesborough.     I  left 

Hudson  this  morning  at  7  o'clock." "  Yesterday  I  went 

to  Prospect  Hill — all  over.  Went  into  the  Academy,  &c. 
— thought  over  old  times — you  were  present  to  my  min  d 


324  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

This  morning  got  to  Albany  about  eleven.  At  three  o'clock, 
got  into  the  stage  for  Schenectady — got  there  at  seven,  and 
on  board  the  boat.  Find  the  boat  very  pleasant.  'Tis 
much  like  sitting  at  home  in  a  room.  Not  as  much  motion 
as  in  a  steamboat.  We  are  pleasantly  situated  in  one 
respect,  we  have  not  many  passengers,  and  appearances  are 
very  promising.  We  are  quite  a  decent  company  too, 
which  is  not  always  the  case  in  such  places.  They  are 
going  to  fix  the  births,  so  good  night.  The  Lord  bless  you 
all.     Truly  your's — with  love  to  the  children.        B.  A." 

"  Saturday  evening,  8  o'clock,  6th  August. 

"  We  have,  Dear  Harriot,  just  arrived  at  Utica — very  well. 
The  route  to-day  has  been  very  pleasant — calculated  to  do 
me  good.  Country  fine  and  healthy — romantic  rocks  and 
mountains,  which  you  know  I  always  liked. 

The  Church  I  must  leave  with  the  good  Providence  of 
God,  trusting  it  will  be  provided  for.  The  Communion  to- 
morrow will  be  an  interesting  time  :  but  I  feel  it  was  my 
duty  to  take  this  trip.     The  Lord  bless  you  all." 

"  Whitesborough,  Oneida  Co.  N.  Y.  > 
August  9th,  Tuesday.       \ 

"  This  morning,  my  dear  Harriot,  I  am  remarkably  well. 
I  feel  rested  and  refreshed  after  the  fatigue  of  travelling,  and 
I  doubt  not  shall  come  home  much  better  than  when  I  left 
it.  It  would  be  a  great  matter  to  me,  if  f  had  a  little  more 
time,  but  all  is  for  the  best.  The  Lord  is  merciful  and 
gracious,  and  does  all  things  well. 

On  Saturday  evening  1  arrived  at  Utica.  It  was  near 
nine  instead  of  eight  o'clock.  There  I  was  detained  an 
hour  and  more,  and  at  last,  about  ten  o'clock  at  night,  the 
boat  set  out  for  Whitesborough.  I  got  here  at  half-past 
eleven.  It  was  too  late  to  come  to  Mr.  Sill's,  so  I  got  in 
at  a  tavern,  and  went  to  bed  about  twelve.  On  Sunday 
went  into  Utica,  in  a  gig,  and  preached  for  Mr.  Anthon. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  325 

In  the  afternoon  came  out  and  preached  here  at  six  o'clock, 

in   Mr.   Frost's  meeting-house." "  Four  of  our  cousins 

are  here.  Aunt  is  at  Geneva  with  Sarah.  To  see  her,  I 
must  go  there,  which,  perhaps,  I  shall  do  to-morrow." 

"You  would  have  been  much  fatigued  getting  here? 
and  now  I  am  here,  I  must  be  right  off,  so  as  to  get  home. 
Had  we  time,  we  might  pass  through  this  country  plea- 
santly. As  it  is,  I  believe  it  will  be  of  use  to  me  :  going 
night  and  day  is  rather  wearisome. 

"  Coming  up  in  the  canal-boat,  there  was  playing-cards 
in  the  cabin,  a  thing  I  never  saw  before  in  my  life.  It 
speaks  very  ill  for  the  morals  of  my  native  state. 

"  The  same  Lord  reigns  in  Philadelphia  that  reigns 
here ;  therefore,  though  I  wish  to  see  you  all,  I  leave  you 

with  him." "  Kiss  B.  and  the  little  folks  for  me.     Tell 

them  to  be  good  children,  or  else  God  will  not  love  them." 
"  My  design  is  to  return  at  the  expected  time  next  week — 
the  Lord  permitting.  B.  A." 

"  Dear  Harriot : — I  shall  come  loaded  with  presents  for 
you — of  rings  and  boxes,  &;c.  Some  petrifactions  too,  that 
I  picked  up  in  the  Trenton  falls,  near  Whitesborough,  yes- 
terday. I  have  been  waiting,  detained  here  to  get  your 
letter,  and  now  it  gives  me  great  pleasure.  This  evening, 
Thursday,  I  am  on  my  way  to  go  and  see  aunt  Mann.  It 
is  possible  I  may  be  detained  over  next  Sunday  week.  You 
say  I  must  not  hurry  myself;  and  if  I  do  huriy  myself 

back,  I  fear  it  will  be  too  much." "  I  want  to  go  home 

so  well  as  to  be  able  to  stay  at  home  the  whole  year  after. 
Love  to  all — all  send  their  love.  You  must  remember  me 
in  prayer.  I  shall,  perhaps,  never  get  so  near  aunt  Mann 
again.  I  ought  to  go  and  see  her.  If  I  do,  I  know  you  do 
not  want  me  to  drive  back  too  fast.  I  shall  not  be  able  to 
bring  M.  A.  on  with  me,  unless  I  stay  over  next  Sunday 
week.     I  will  endeavour  to  do  it. 

"  Eight  o'clock,  Tuesday  evening,  Utica." 


326  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"Geneva,  August  13th. 

"I  expect  to  be  on  my  way  home  before  you  get  this, 
but  you  wish  to  hear  often,  so  I  write.  Thursday  night 
staid  at  Mr.  Anthon's — taverns  all  full.  Friday  morning  at 
four  staited  in  the  stage.  Had  a  fatiguing  but  healthy  ride 
seventy-five  miles.  Saw  the  Oneida  Indians  on  the  way — 
several  fine  churches.  I  gave  the  Indian  children  some 
books  with  pictures.  Some  very  beautiful  villages — one  of 
them  like  Roxberry.  This  morning  I  came  to  this  place. 
Poor  aunt  Mann  was  quite  overcome  on  seeing  me.  Sarah 
well — their  love  to  you.  Much  pleased  with  your  presents. 
Monday  I  leave  here. 

"  It  is  not  certain  what  day  I  shall  be  home,  but  I  wish 
some  one  engaged  to  supply  the  Church  to  prevent  any  mis- 
take."  "  You,  I  know,  will  take  good  care  of  the  chil- 
dren. I  hope  to  come  home  much  improved.  I  trust  the 
Lord  will  bless  you  all.  A  few  days  after  you  get  this, 
you  may  expect  to  see  me.  If  they  will  procure  some  one 
to  supply  the  Church  to-morrow  week,  I  shall  be  content." 

"  Geneva,  Monday  morning,  15th  August. 

"  The  last  letter  I  wrote  was  Saturday.  Yesterday  morn- 
ing and  night,  I  preached  here.  Mr.  Norton,  a  young  Vir- 
ginian, preached  in  the  afternoon.  The  country  is  truly 
a  most  delightful  one.  The  Seneca  Indians  once  lived  in 
it,  and  the  orchards  they  planted  are  still  standing.  I  saw- 
also  a  mound  of  earth,  under  which  their  ancestors  are 
buried.  The  country  has  been  settled  by  New-England- 
ers,  and  truly  the  towns  appear  quite  as  well  as  they  do  in 
Connecticut  or  Massachusetts. 

"  Yesterday  morn,  I  preached  to  the  people  about  training 
up  their  children  for  God. 

"I  am  now  within  a  short  distance  of  some  of  the 
greatest  curiosities  in  the  world,  and  as  it  will  take  but  two 
or  three  days,  and  never  may  I  be  here  again,  'tis  my  duty 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  327 

to  visit  them.  Day  after  to-morrow  afternoon  I  expect  to 
set  out  for  home.  A  little  more  than  a  week  will  take  me 
home.  You  know  I  have  to  stop  by  the  way.  I  am  very 
desirous  to  be  at  home,  and  you  may  be  sure  shall  lose  no 
time.  The  next  week,  I  trust,  will  bring  me  there.  Tell 
the  little  ones  I  have  got  some  curiosities  to  show  them. 
Mr.  B.  has  given  me  an  Indian  arrow.     Love  to  all. 

"  Your's,  ever,  B.  A," 

My  brother,  after  he  returned  home,  wrote  to  me,  giving 
some  further  account  of  his  northern  tour.  I  add  the  fol- 
lowing— 

"  Philadelphia,  September  10th,  1825. 

"  Dear  Thomas : — A  week  or  two  ago,  I  returned  from 
New-York.  My  time  spent  in  Hudson  was  very  short,  for 
my  object  was  exercise.  Went  to  Whitesborough.  Aunt 
Mann  was  at  Gefieva.  I  went  there  and  found  myself 
within  so  short  a  distance  of  Canada  and  Niagara,  I  felt  it 
my  duty  to  go ;  especially  as  I  might  never  be  so  near 
again.  The  situation  of  Geneva  is  delightful:  just  on  the 
shore  of  the  Lake.  Beautiful  indeed  is  that  whole  country 
— a  perfect  garden.  Villages,  towns,  churches,  &;c.  spring- 
ing up  in  every  direction.  On  the  canal  it  is  pleasant,  as 
well  as  very  cheap  travelling,  three  and  a  half  cents  a 
mile,  fare  included,  stage  about  as  cheap.  Was  at  Buf- 
falo the  day  after  leaving  Geneva — then  to  His  Majesty's 
dominions,  to  the  Falls,  battle-ground,  Brook's  monument, 
&c.  Was  only  a  few  hours  there.  Started  home  by  the 
way  of  Lewistown,  the  Ridge  Road  to  Rochester — a  per- 
fect wonder,  for  it  has  grown  almost  a  city  in  twelve 
years ;  'tis  at  Genesee  Falls.  Beautiful  church,  more  beau- 
tiful than  any  I  ever  saw,  in  a  country  town,  and  I  had 
almost  said  in  the  cities.  Preached  at  Whitesborough, 
Utica,  and  Geneva.  Twenty-five  dollars  will  pay  all  ex- 
penses from  Philadelphia  to  Niagara. 


328  MEMOIR  OP  THE 

"  You  will  receive  with  this,  prospectus  of  the  Homi- 
lies, a  beautiful  edition,  designed  to  make  them  acces- 
sible to  all.  Specimens  are  not  yet  ready.  Write  me 
what  3'ou  and  your's  can  do  in  it.  The  Lord  bless  you, 
and  keep  you  ;  the  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  you, 
and  be  gracious  unto  you,  and  all  your's. 

"  Love — truly  your's,  B.  A." 

My  brother  in  passing  through  a  country  was  not  an  idle 
spectator,  but  he  endeavoured  to  ingraft  into  his  plans  of 
usefulness,  the  changing  scenery  and  incidents  of  the  day. 
Thus  in  his  late  tour,  his  mind  and  heart  were  at  work,  and 
shortly  after  his  return  home,  he  presented  the  world  with 
another  volume  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-eight  pages, 
which,  in  a  measure,  grew  out  of  this  tour  :  and  part  of  its 
imagery  is  borrowed  from  the  country  through  which  he 
travelled.     It  has  this  title — 

"  The  Parent'' s  Counsellor,  or  the  Danger  of  Moroseness, 
a  Narrative  of  the  Newton  Family.'''' 

Relative  to  this  volume,  he  wrote  to  me — 

"  October  26th,  1825. 

"A  little  work  for  parents  is  publishing  by  Bacon,  of 
which  four  hundred  are  to  be  given  me  for  privilege  of 
printing  two  thousand.  'Tis  founded  partly  on  my  tour 
last  summer.  B.  ALLEN." 

The  object  of  this  volume  was,  to  show  in  strong  colours, 
the  pernicious  influence  of  excessive  severity  on  the  one 
hand,  and  on  the  other,  injudicous  indulgence,  as  exercised 
by  parents  towards  their  children.  The  pious  and  judi- 
cious parent  is  then  brought  forward  in  happy  contrast, 
rearing  up  his  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord,  rejoicing  in  their  pursuing  the  paths  of  holy 
pleasantness,  the  ways  of  humble  piety. 

About  the  same  time,  my  brother  published  a  short  nar- 
rative of  Dr.  Pilmore,  his  predecessor  in  St.  Paul's  Church. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  329 

When  the  election  of  an  assistant  Bishop  for  the  diocess 
of  Pennsylvania  was  proposed,  my  brother  participated  in 
the  general  excitement.  So  important,  in  his  estimation, 
was  this  movement  to  the  vital  interests  of  the  Church, 
that  his  whole  soul  was  enlisted.  But,  from  the  follow- 
ing testimony,  his  undeviating  course  of  duty,  which 
was  pursued  with  an  apostle's  zeal,  was  attended  with  the 
spirit  of  a  Christian. 

After  Bishop  White  had  issued  his  call  for  the  Special 
Convention  of  October  25th,  1826,  which  was  "to  take 
into  consideration  the  expediency  of  electing  an  Assistant 
Bishop,"  my  brother  wrote  to  me — 

"September,  1826. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — You  enjoy  your  association,  I  hope,  and 
will  find  great  benefit.  We,  here,  are  in  a  crisis  of  the 
greatest  importance — summoned  unexpectedly  to  the  elec- 
tion of  a  Bishop.  We  ask  the  prayers  of  all.  We  hope, 
six  o'clock,  on  Sabbath  morn,  will  by  you  and  all  who  are 
willing  to  pray,  be  made  a  time  of  special  prayer  for  us, 
and  that  we  may  not  be  forgotten  at  other  times.  I  ask  it 
of  all.  May  the  brethren  remember  us  at  this  time.  We 
hope  for  much.  The  Lord  can  do  greatly.  Our  waiting 
eyes  are  unto  Him.  May  we  have  grace  to  look  to  him 
aright.  The  time,  25th  October.  We  look  to  the  Lord 
alone  for  help.  He  is  our  trust.  Our  candidate  is  Mr. 
Meade,  of  Virginia." 

He  again  writes — "  September  26th.  Pray  fo  us  in  the 
matter  of  Bishop  Meade." 

At  the  Special  Convention,  the  subject  was  far  from 
being  laid  at  rest.  But  at  the  next  Annual  Convention,  held 
in  Harrisburg,  in  May,  1827,  an  election  was  effected, 
contrary  to  the  views  and  feelings  of  my  brother.  I  am, 
however,  happy  in  being  enabled  to  present  so  excellent  a 
spirit  as  was  unfolded  in  his  correspondence  with  his  wife 

Ff 


330  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

on  this  occasion-  Though  the  letters  from  which  the  fol- 
lowing is  extracted,  are  without  date  as  to  year,  yet  they 
no  doubt  have  reference  to  the  above  mentioned  occasion. 

"  Dear  Harriot : — I  got  safe  to  Harrisburg  the  evening  I 
left." 

"  We  scarce  know  how  affairs  are  to  end.  The  Saviour 
directs.  We  put  trust  in  the  Lord.  Your  affectionate 
husband." 

"  Well — 1  o'clock,  Tuesday.  Many,  very  many  are 
arriving.     The  Convention  is  likely  to  be  large." 

After  the  election  he  again  writes — 

"  Dear  H.  — As  brother  Eldred  and  myself  go  in  his 
dearborn,  we  shall  get  down  probably  Tuesday.  We  have 
not  succeeded  as  we  wished.  The  Lord,  however,  knows 
what  is  best.  We  should  rejoice,  therefore,  at  all  that  has 
happened." 

"  The  friends  in  the  Church  must  not  think  any  thing 
has  gone  wrong.  We  know  not  what  is  best  so  well  as 
God  does.  I  try  to  praise  for  every  thing.  You  are,  I 
hope,  well,  and  the  children. 

"  Mr.  Bausman  preaches  Sunday. 

"  Friday  morning,  Harrisburg." 

I  also  add  the  following — 

"  Saturday,  noon. 

"  Dear  H.  — I  more  and  more  rejoice  to  think  God  does 
his  will ;  even  though  he  does  not  all  we  wish  him  to  do, 
he  doeth  every  thing  for  the  best. 

"  I  spent  the  last  night  with  brother  Boyd  and  Eldredj 
at    Mr.   William   Coleman's   Ironworks ;    after   breakfast 

o-day,  left  Mr.  William  C,  and  dine  with  Mr.  James 
Coleman.  To-night,  get  to  Churchtown,  and  preach 
there  to-morrow.     It  is  one  of  brother  Bull's  congrega- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  331 

tions.  To-morrow,  proceed  to  Morgantown,  four  miles,  to 
preaching — to-morrow  night  to  brother  Bull's  house,  pro- 
bably. Monday  evening,  perhaps,  get  home.  'Tis  very 
pleasant  to  ride  in  brother  Eldred's  little  wagon — we 
get  along  most  delightfully,  from  house  to  house,  among 
friends.  Mrs.  S.  ought  to  rejoice  in  God.  He  does  every 
thing  right.  We  trust,  yea,  we  know  he  has  done  all  well." 

Though  the  above  are  a  few  hasty  thoughts  suggested  in 
short  notes  to  his  wife,  yet  they  evidently  speak  the  lan- 
guage of  his  heart. 

As  to  the  controversy  and  great  excitement  which  subse- 
quently arose  from  this  election,  in  which  my  brother 
largely  participated,  I  forbear  making  further  comment, 
especially  as  some  of  the  prominent  names  then  used  are 
now  enrolled  in  the  annals  of  Eternity. 

In  December,  1827,  at  the  request  of  the  Lodge  in 
Chester  County,  my  brother  delivered  an  address  which 
was  afterwards  published.  In  this  address,  he  brought  pro- 
minently the  Word  of  God  before  their  minds  as  the  Great 
Light ;  and  urged  that  "  all  ^free  and  accepted  Masons  ' 
are  bound  to  read,  obey,  pray  over,  and  unite  in  sending  it 
to  the  ends  of  the  earth.'''' 

In  July  of  the  same  year,  my  brother  was  made  a  life- 
member  of  the  Philadelphia  Branch  of  the  American  Tract 
Society,  by  the  ladies  of  St.  Paul's  Church. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


DEVOTION     TO     BISHOP     CHASE     AND      KENYON     COLLEGE 

THOUGHT  OF  MOVING  TO  THE  WEST URGES  MY    REMOVAL 

TO  KENTUCKY VISIT  TO  THE  DISTRICT  OF  COLUMBIA. 


Mv  brother  was  truly  devoted  to  the  cause  of  Bishop  Chase 
and  Kenyon  College,  Ohio.  He  was  one  of  the  "  few 
friends"  who  were  invited  to  meet  with  the  Bishop  at  the 
house  of  Paul  Beck,  Esq.,  in  Philadelphia,  as  early  as 
December  14th,  1826,  to  receive  from  him  "  a  particular 
statement  of  the  nature  of  his  claims,  in  behalf  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  Western  States,  particularly  Ohio."  In  tlie 
minutes  of  this  meeting,  it  is  recorded,  that  "the  Rev. 
Mr.  Allen  addressed  the  meeting  in  remarks  highly  com- 
mendatory of  the  plan  of  education  proposed  to  be  pursued 
at  Kenyon  College." 

He  was  a  member  of  a  committee  appointed  on  that 
occasion,  with  reference  to  an  application  to  the  citizens. 

He  wrote  to  me  on  this  subject — 

"Philadelphia,  January  4Lh,  1827. 
"  Dear  Brother ; — Bishop  Chase,  of  Ohio,  is  here,  and 
has  been  in  my  family  six  or  seven  weeks.  His  plans  for 
Kenyon  College  are  all  ready,  and  in  successful  operation. 
The  prospect  of  good  to  the  Church,  it  offers,  is  very 
great.  The  western  wilds  will,  I  doubt  not,  through  it, 
rejoice.  But  with  this  letter  will  go  a  newspaper,  giving 
some  account  of  the  thing.  Christians  are  called  upon  to 
help:    It   is   their  duty.     From   here  (where  he  has  got 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  333 

seventeen  hundred  dollars)  the  Bishop  expects  to  go  to 
New- York.  He  is  a  pious  man  ;  his  trust  is  in  the  Lord. 
I  find  his  company  both  beneficial  and  pleasant.  His 
preaching  very  plain,  simple,  and  profitable. 

"  The  Homilies  are  stereotyping.  After  the  copies  are 
struck  off,  the  plates  are  to  be  given  to  Kenyon  College, 
Ohio.  They  thus  w^ill  confer  a  benefit  when  we  are  dead. 
Every  advantage  will  be  afforded  that  can,  to  secure  the 

circulation." "  Our  health  and  circumstances  are  as 

usual.  My  duty  begins  to  appear  more  plainly  to  be,  to 
surrender  more  connexion  with  business,  in  order  to  devote 
my  undivided  energies  to  ministerial  labour.  The  Homi- 
lies I  shall  strive  to  see  completed,  for  the  sake  of  their 
being  thrown  into  every  Church  and  family,  if  the  Lord 
please,  and  for  the  sake  of  giving  Kenyon  College  the 
plates. 

"  It,  perhaps,  has  been  a  temptation,  engaging  too  much 
in  publications.  My  debts  required  something.  They,  I 
have  reason  to  believe,  will  be  over  in  a  year.  After  that, 
may  I  be  more  exclusively  given  to  my  work.  The  Lord 
be  my  protector,  guide,  and  every  thing.  My  days  are  his. 
My  all,  would  fain  devote  to  him. 

"  We  are  in  need  of  help  in  prayer.  Do  pray  for  us.  In 
Church  affairs,  we  have  no  great  news.  I  hope  the  arm  of 
God  will  guide  the  Ark  in  safety.  Prayer,  ardent  prayer, 
fervent,  constant,  persevering  prayer,  accomplishes  won- 
ders.    The  Lord  reigneth.     This,  believes 

"  Your's,  ever,  B.  A." 

While  Bishop  Chase  was  in  my  brother's  house,  where  he 
was  confined  with  some  affection  of  his  leg  for  some  time, 
my  brother  endeavoured  to  attend  to  his  concerns  for  him, 
and  conducted  himself  towards  him  as  a  child  to  a  father. 

After  the  Bishop  left  Philadelphia,  he  repeatedly  ex- 
presses in  his  letters,  his  grateful  recollection  of  favours. 

f2 


334  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

In  his  printed  appeal  of  January  29th,  1827,  he  "  states 
with  gratitude,  he  has  received  from  Philadelphia,  and 
vicinity,  rising  of  three  thousand  dollars,  besides  many 
valuable  books,  and  in  philosophical  apparatus,  to  a  con- 
siderable amount." 

A  considerable  amount  of  money  for  this  object  passed 
through  my  brother's  hands,  as  appears  from  the  Bishop's 
receipts  and  others.  Bishop  Chase  received,  New-York, 
May  24th,  from  my  brother,  "  the  balance  of  collections 
made  for  Kenyon  College,  in  and  near  Philadelphia,  by 
him,  up  to"  that  date. 

I  add  a  few  extracts  from  the  Bishop's  letters  to  my 
brother — 

"Boston,  May  10th,  1827. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : — Last  night  I  received  letters 
from  my  friends,  both  in  England  and  Ohio,  which  make  it 
my  imperious  duty  to  be  on  the  site  of  Kenyon  College,  on 
the  8th,  9th,  and  10th  of  June.  To  fail  to  do  so,  would  be 
to  put  at  hazard  the  best  interests  of  our  institution,  which 
are  now  increasing  beyond  all  former  example.  This  ar- 
rangement will  forbid  my  going  farther  south  than  New- 
York.  Cannot  you  meet  me  on  the  23d  of  this  present 
May,  in  the  last  named  city  ?  To  your  faithful  bosom  I  will 
commit  the  expressions  of  my  grateful  heart  to  all  our  dear, 
dear  friends,  both  in  Philadelphia  and  vicinity :  and  with 
these,  I  hope  they  will  receive  God's  choicest  blessings." 

"  Gambier,  Kenyon  College,  Ohio,  > 
November  26th.  \ 
"  Your  little  son  George,  with  the  other  Philadelphia 
boys,  is  now  at  this  place,  and  in  good  health,  and  behaving 
well.  But  the  principal  reason  of  my  writing  you  this 
letter  is,  to  tell  you,  that  Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  of  King 
George  County,  Virginia,  has  become  a  subscriber  to  the 
Milnor  Professorship,  to  the  amount  of  one  thousand  dol- 


KEV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  335 

lars ! — Most  devoutly  do  I  bless  God  for  this  instance  of 
his  continued  goodness  to  our  cause.  My  dying  hopes  are 
by  it  quite  revived. 

"  Pray  consult  with  Mr.  Bedell  concerning  the  propriety, 
I  might  say  necessity,  of  coming  before  the  public  with 
an  article  of  some  length,  at  this  important  crisis  of  our 
affairs.  The  eyes  of  all  England  are  upon  us.  If  we  fail 
in  this  Professorship,  when  the  whole  body  of  clergy  in  that 
country  are  doing  so  much  for  us,  how  can  we  hold  up  our 
heads  among  the  Churches  of  the  earth  ?"  *         * 

"  God  has  been  very  gracious  to  us  of  late,  in  preserving 
our  waterworks  from  most  imminent  danger,  and  in  crown- 
ing our  plans  with  signal  success.  The  mill  is  now  raised, 
and  the  race  nearly  completed.  Within  one  fortnight,  I 
humbly  trust  we  shall  begin  to  saw  boards  from  our  own 
mill,  for  Kenyon  College."  *  *  * 

"  I  entreat  that  one  effort  more  be  made  for  the  Milnor 
Professorship.  Pray  write,  and  continue  to  write  in  the 
common  newspapers  for  us.  Who  knows  but  God  may  put 
it  into  the  hearts  of  some  who  have  not  as  yet  heard  of  this 
most  munificent  offer  of  Mr.  A.  Tappan." 

"  Columbus,  Ohio,  December  29th. 
"  I  was  much  pleased,  and  feel  very  grateful  in  witnessing 
what  you  have  done  for  us  in  the  Recorder.     The  Milnor 
Professorship  will  be  filled,  and  God's  name  will  be  glori- 
fied." *  *  *  *  ^ 

"  I  have  been  making  a  speech  here  to  the  Ohio  Legisla- 
ture, to  get  them  to  petition  Congress  for  the  grant  of  lands 
to  Kenyon  College.  But  what  success  I  shall  have,  de- 
pends on  the  mercy  of  God  in  softening  the  hard  hearts, 
and  enlightening  the  blind  eyes  of  men.  If  I  succeed,  I 
shall  regard  it  as  another  instance  of  God's  peculiar  provi- 
dence in  our  favour,  and  beg  for  the  grace  of  gratitude  and 
humility.  If  I  fail,  it  will  be  no  more  than  my  manifold 
sins  deserve.     I  trust  I  shall  submit  with  resiffiiation. 


336  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  I  beg  to  be  remembered  to  your  good  wife,  and  all  the 
circle  of  Christian  friends.  Don't  forget  dear  Mrs.  S.  and 
Mrs.  P.,  nor  any  of  that  precious  character  that  used  to 
perform  the  labours  of  love  and  charity  at  your  house. 

"  Ever  your  faithful  friend  and  brother." 

"Washington,  February  4th,  1828. 

"Rev.  and  Dear  brother: — I  have  but  just  arrived  here, 
late  on  Saturday,  of  course  can  say  but  little  as  to  pros- 
pects ;  but  will  write  you  when  the  subject  is  more  matured. 

"  I  think  you  will,  on  second  thought,  conclude  not  to 
go  to  England  at  the  present  juncture  of  affairs.  May  God 
direct  you  in  all  things  for  his  glory,  through  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ."  *  *  *  * 

"  I  bless  God  for  the  good  news  as  to  the  Milnor  Profes- 
sorship, and  am  sincerely  grateful  to  you  for  promoting  its 
success." 

"  February  22d. 

"  I  shall  see  you  before  you  sail.  England  will  not  re- 
lieve, but  augment  your  complaint.  Don't  go,  dear  brother." 

"Ever  your  sincere  and  faithful,  and  grateful 

'PHILANDER  CHASE." 

I  have  thus  enlarged  on  this  subject,  not  only  with  refer- 
ence to  my  brother's  history,  but  as  giving  an  interesting 
view  of  the  devoted  zeal  and  piety  of  Bishop  Chase,  in  con- 
nexion with  his  important  labours  in  behalf  of  the  West. 

My  brother  became  so  much  engaged  in  the  above  move- 
ments, that  he  not  only  placed  his  oldest  son  at  the  grammar- 
school  in  connexion  with  Kenyon  College,  but  he  had  some 
idea  of  removing  to  that  country  himself.  Some  of  his 
brethren  wrote  to  him  on  that  subject. 

"  February  23d,  1827. 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother : — I  have  an  additional  reason 
in  writing,  in  the  desire  I  feel  to  know  of  your  affairs. 
You  spoke  of  a  movement  to  the  west  when  I  last  saw  you, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  337 

and  expressed  a  wish  that  I  would  write  to  any  friends  I 
might  have  when  you  went.  Should  such  be  still  your 
intention,  it  will  give  me  pleasure  to  serve  an  old  friend 
and  fellow-labourer,  as  far  as  in  me  lies. 

"  In  Chillicothe,  in  Louisville,  and  near  Lexington,  I  have 
a  few  relatives,  to  whom  I  would  write  with  pleasure  when 
you  go,  should  you  go.  Wherever  you  go,  may  Heaven's 
best  blessings  be  upon  you. 

"  My  prayers  are  offered  up  for  you  all  in  Pennsylvania, 
that  you  may  be  guided  in  the  right  way  by  the  unerring 
wisdom  of  God.  With  love  to  the  brethren,  I  remain  your 
sincere  friend,  and  affectionate  brother, 

"W.  MEADE." 
"  January  11th. 

"  Dear  Brother : — I  have  heard  a  rumour  of  your  going 
to  Kenyon  College  as  a  Professor.  Is  it  so  ?" — "  But  I 
know  you  are  not  allured  by  such  dignities.  If  you  go,  I 
know  it  would  be  with  the  object  of  labouring  in  the  cause 
of  Christ.  I  look  upon  that  Diocess  as  an  important  field 
of  labour. 

"Your's,  R.  U.  MORGAN." 

"  Cleaveland,  Ohio,  February  3d. 
"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : — I  have  learnt,  if  I  read  right,  by 
a  letter  from  a  brother  clergyman  of  Virginia,  lately  re- 
ceived, that  Bishop  Chase,  our  zealous  and  worthy  diocesan, 
has  had  the  good  foitune  to  induce  yourself  to  come  to  the 
Ohio  and  '  help  us.'  The  news,  I  fear,  is  too  good  to  be 
true.  The  Lord  grant  it  may  be,  and,  also,  that  many  of 
the  same  spirit  may  be  found,  ere  long,  to  swell  our  small 
band. — Hoping  the  Lord  may  so  order  it,  that  we  may  here- 
after be  better  acquainted,  and  praying  that  you  may  con- 
tinue to  be  blessed  in  your  ministerial  labours,  I  am,  dear 
Sir,  your  brother  in  Christ, 

SILAS  C.  FREEMAN." 


338  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

In  April  my  brother  also  writes  to  me — 
"  The  west  appears  most  important.     Bishop  Chase's  Col- 
lege will,  it  appears  to  me,  be  of  eminent  use." 

My  brother  not  only  had  his  own  mind  strongly  biased 
toward  the  western  country,  as  one  of  the  fields  of  effort 
which  promised  the  greatest  usefulness;  but  he  also 
laboured  much  to  enlist  my  heart  in  the  same  cause.  As 
unfolding  some  of  his  views  and  feelings  on  the  subject,  T 
annex  the  following  extracts  from  his  letters  to  me. 

"May  25th,  1827. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — We  are,  it  would  almost  seem,  in  Pro- 
vidence, to  go  to  fields  where  much  is  to  be  attempted  for 
Christ.  He  certainly  puts  honour  on  our  unworthiness,  in 
admitting  us  thus  to  act.  My  early  labours  were  of  that 
class.  Your's  now  seem  called  to  such  a  field.  I  have 
thought  much  of  you,  and  have  for  years  thought  a  field  more 
interesting  than  any  other  in  the  United  States,  was  Ken- 
tucky. I  indeed  had  determined  to  abandon  Philadelphia 
for  that  mighty  field.  Your  present  situation  would  almost 
seem  to  be  an  inducement  to  you  to  go  there.  Thinking, 
as  for  years  I  have,  of  Kentucky,  I  desired  always,  when 
adverting  to  you,  that  you  might  attain  the  same  great  field 
of  labour.  George,  my  oldest,  went  yesterday  to  Ohio, 
with  the  Bishop :  your  going  to  Kentucky  would  draw  me 
much."  ***** 

"  The  plan  might  be  to  travel  three  or  more  months : 
after  that  settle  and  get  a  situation,  where  perhaps  a  hun- 
dred times  more  can  be  eventually  accomplished  than  can 
here.  I  speak  words  well  weighed,  for  I  believe  much  more 
can  be  done  there.  Dr.  Aydelott  has  recommended  you. 
This,  with  my  own  recommendation,  can  no  doubt  gain  a 
place.  Many  Virginia  and  other  friends  have  settled  in 
Kentucky.  Affectionately  your's,  B.  A." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  339 

"  Saturday,  June. 
"  Dear  Thomas : — Perhaps  you  would  do  well  to  come  to 
Philadelphia  when  Convention  is  over.     The  Sunday-school 
will  make  you   agent  for  as  long   a  time  as  is   desired, 
say  many  years.      Would   plant   you  at    a  central    spot, 
and  permit  you  to  visit  a  region  around.      This  would 
allow  preaching.     But  it  may  be  your  determination,  as 
you  state  circumstances,  to  stay.     Will  not  there  be  vastly 
more    good   effected   should   you   go?    Horrell,   from   St. 
Louis,  Missouri,  I  understand,  will  come  to  the  Atlantic 
border  soon,  on  a  visit.     Will  not  that  give  opportunity  of 
gaining  information  1" — "  We  ought  to  be  much  in  prayer, 
that  we  may  be  allowed  a  privilege,  greater  than  any  on 
this  earth,  that  of  promoting,  in  some  humble  way,  the  glory 
of  our  Lord.     May  we  be  admitted  to  it.     We  are  nothing. 
We  can  only  look  to  Christ." — "  Are  you  desirous  to  go  to 
Indiana?    or  where? — We  can,  we   believe,  furnish    the 
means.     Missionaries,  as  well  as  Sunday-school  agents,  we 
desire.     Let  your  heart  ask  what  is  most  likely  to  advance 
our  dear  Redeemer's  glory ;  to  feed  the  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands now  destitute,  or  to  live  in  the  comparatively  unuseful 
spot  where  you  now  dwell. 

"I  again  say,  come  to  Philadelphia.  Many,  very  many 
things  we  then  can  talk  of,  not  lo  be  given  in  letters." — 
"  Souls  certainly  are  precious.  We  are  called  to  do  the 
most  for  them.  Have  not  our  lives  been  devoted  ?  Are  we 
our  own  ?  Can  you  answer  to  Christ  in  the  great  day  for 
neglect  of  that  which  promised  to  effect  the  vastest  good  ? 
Come  to  Philadelphia,  if  only  for  one  hour,  or  a  single  day. 
Hoping  to  see  you  when  Convention  ends,  I  am, 

«  Your's,  truly,  BENJ'N.  ALLEN." 

«« August  3d. 
"  Dear  Thomas : — My  soul  is  distressed  past  endurance. 
Your  declining    the    visit  to  Kentucky,  seals   Frankfort, 
and — "  "  I  do  not  speak  words  unfounded." — "  The  appoint- 


340  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

ment  paying  your  expenses,  under  God  pointed  you  there. 
The  surrender  of  that  appointment,  gives  our  enemy  every 'ad- 
vantage. Mount  immediately,  for  the  love  of  God,  man, 
Christian,  do  not,  as  souls  are  valued,  do  not  give  up  the 
cause.  I  hope  you  will  find  it  in  your  heart  to  suffer, 
should  need  be,  to  suffer  for  Christ — cheerfully  do  I  say. 
The  books  and  all  you  have  in  your  possession,  and  moneys 
due  of  mine,  take  for  extra  expense  of  going  to  Kentucky. 
Go,  and  let  no  family  feeling,  naught  but  death  stop.  No 
obstacle  can  be  in  the  society  :  all  can  be  arranged.  I'll  do 
that — only  go.  The  Lord  remove  all  obstacles,  turn  hearts, 
incline  wife,  self,  and  every  one.  For  the  love  of  Christ, 
go  as  soon  as  you  possibly  can.  Time  enough  remains  for 
you  to  go,  and  secure  each  of  "those  towns.  Mr.  Horrell  is 
here  now,  from  Missouri ;  says  the  people  want  ministers. 
I  cannot  go  at  this  time.  You  go — God  will  be  with,  take 
care  of,  defend  you,  and  will  make  comfortable  your  wife, 
your  children.  Parish  let  alone  for  a  few  weeks.  All 
depends  on  your  decision.  God  direct  you,  and  bless,  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen.  B." 

"  Go  settle  in  Frankfort.''''  "  My  dear  brother,  let  us  live 
for  the  cause  of  Christ.  God.works  by  feeble  instruments." 
— "  Go,  go,  go  by  all  means." 

The  above  fully  evinces  the  intense  ardour  of  feeling 
which  he  suffered  to  be  enlisted  in  the  cause  of  the  Western 
country.  It  was  indeed  a  burning  zeal,  but  the  Lord  did 
not  gratify  his  desire.  He  had  in  rapid  preparation  for  us, 
other  scenes  of  labour,  trial,  and  enjoyment. 

In  the  fall  of  1827,  my  brother  visited  Washington  and 
Georgetown,  District  of  Columbia,  for  the  purpose  of  attend- 
ing the  anniversary  of  the  "  Society  for  the  Education  of 
Pious  Young  Men  for  the  Ministry  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church."  An  account  of  this  journey  we  have  in 
his  letters  to  his  wife. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  341 

"Dear  Harriot: — 1  arrived  in  Baltimore  this  morning, 
Tuesday,  at  two  o'clock :  attended  the  funeral  of  Bishop 
Kemp.  Dr.  Wyatt  delivered  an  impressive  address.  At- 
tendance of  people  very  large.  He  was  buried  a  little  out 
of  town.  Bishop  Onderdonk  came  to  the  funeral.  We 
travelled  together,  and  he  officiated  by  reading  a  part  of  the 
funeral  service  this  morning. 

"  Last  evening  I  came  along  the  road  where  Bishop 
Kemp  received  his  wounds.  I  saw  the  spot,  and  had  a 
very  particular  description  from  the  driver  of  No.  1  stage, 
by  the  side  of  whom  I  rode. 

"  The  Bishop,  on  Friday  last,  left  Philadelphia  at  twelve, 
arrived  at  Newcastle ;  started  thence  in  stage  No.  5. 
There  were  ten  stages  in  number.  The  stage  in  which  he 
rode  had  a  driver  who  was  intoxicated.  When  within  a 
little  more  than  three  miles  from  Frenchtown,  the  driver 
endeavoured  to  pass  two  other  stages  before  him.  Those 
stages  were  going  in  a  walk.  In  order  to  pass  them,  the 
Bishop's  driver  turned  off  the  road  on  to  a  green  sward 
upon  the  left.  He  was  going  in  a  trot.  Presently  he  came 
to  a  large  hole  six  feet  deep,  whence  they  took  gravel  to 
make  the  turnpike.  In  the  bottom  of  the  hole  were  some 
stone,  which  some  time  ago  were  taken  from  a  neighbour- 
ing field.  When  the  stage  came  to  that  hole,  it  was  turned 
bottom  upwards.  A  stone  large  as  "  a  gallon  jug"  lay 
higher  thanthe  other  stone,  and  upon  that  the  Bishop's  head 
fell.  They  took  him  up,  put  him  into  another  stage ;  but 
a  mile  further  on,  took  him  out,  and  left  him  in  a  house 
until  they  came  with  a  stage  with  a  bed  in  it.  Thence 
took  him  to  the  steamboat  and  home. 

"  He  had  his  senses,  and  trusted  his  Saviour  would  receive 
him.  He  rests  now  in  the  burial-ground,  and  the  diocess 
of  Maryland  is  without  a  Bishop.  The  Lord  overrules 
every  thing,  and  he  will  make  all  to  be  well. 


342  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

«  Mr.  Stavely  may  take  the  part  of  this  letter  concerning 
Bishop  Kemp,  without  my  name,  if  he  pleases. 

"  Bishop  Onderdonk  returns  this  evening.  I  go  to  George- 
town to-morrow." — "  Love  to  every  body.  The  Lord 
reigneth." — "  Baltimore,  at  Henshaw's,  Tuesday,  3  o'clock." 

"  At  Mr.  Key's,  Georgetown,  D.  C.  } 
Thursday.  ^ 

"  I  am,  dear  Harriot,  very  well,  and  have  been  well  from 
the  day  I  saw  you.  Half  past  six  o'clock  on  Wednesday 
morning,  I  came  in  company  with  Mr.  Henshaw,  Ate,  from 
Baltimore.  Came  to  Georgetown  ;  attended  the  Education 
Society ;  saw  Mr.  Meade  and  others.  Could  you  be  here 
it  would  please  you.  Mr.  Bedell  preached  last  night,  and 
I  am  to  hold  forth  to-night.  The  prospect  is,  that  I  may 
leave  here  in  to-morrow's  stage.  I  am  not  able  to  tell 
whether  I  stay  Sunday  in  the  District,  or  not.  I  shall  re- 
joice to  be  at  home,  in  God's  good  time.     Give  love  to  all." 

"  November  3d,  Saturday. 
At  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hawley's  Washington. 
"As,  dear  Harriot,  it  gives  you  a  pleasure  to  know  of 
my  movements,  on  Thursday  evening,  after  my  last  letter 
to  you,  I  spake  a  word  for  my  blessed  Lord,  in  the  pulpit 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gray,  in  Georgetown.  Friday  I  came  to 
Washington,  and  dined  at  brother  Hawley's.  Last  evening 
brother  Meade  preached  in  Hawley's  Church.  To-morrow 
I  am  engaged  to  preach  for  brother  Johns,  who  preaches  in 
the  City  Hall — young  Mr.  Johns  this  is.  Mr.  Johns  of 
Frederick  was  here.  Dr.  Milnor,  of  New- York,  is  here  also. 
Dr.  Milnor  preached  for  brother  Hawley  last  Thursday  night. 
I  saw  Thomas.  Took  tea  last  Wednesday  afternoon  with 
him  at  Mrs.  Forrest's  in  Georgetown.  I  am  glad  to  find 
he  is  about  building  another  new  Church,  a  few  miles  from 
the  place  he  lives  in.     This  proves  he  is  not  labouring  in 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  343 

vain.  He  seems  to  be  pretty  well.  Last  night  I  staid  at 
Di.  Lovell's,  (Mrs.  L.,  formerly  Miss  Mansfield.)  She  is 
very  kind.  I  shall  remain  there  while  I  continue  in  the 
city,  at  least  as  much  as  my  time  will  allow — It  will  be 
rather  short. 

"  I  found  a  niece  of  Mr.  Pechin's,  one  that  formerly  be- 
longed to  my  Bible  Class ;  she  is  a  very  pious  woman  ;  mar- 
ried, and  Mr.  Johns  boards  at  her  house.  I  am  in  no  want 
of  friends. 

"  Brother  Hawley,  Dr.  Milnor  and  myself,  dine  at  the 
President's  this  afternoon.  Tuesday  next,  I  am  expected 
to  dine  with  the  Secretary,  Mr.  Clay. 

"Mr.  Bedell  goes  on  Monday  with  Mrs.  B.,  &;c.  As 
they  move  in  a  dearborn,  it  will  take  at  least  six  days  for 
him  to  get  home.  I  may  go  to  Alexandria  on  Monday,  or 
I  perhaps  shall  leave  here  on  Monday  for  Baltimore.  My 
time  of  leaving  is  undetermined.  When  once  I  see 
Philadelphia,  I  shall  probably  not  go  away  again  for  some 
time."  Your's,  BENJAMIN  ALLEN." 

In  a  letter  to  myself,  he  expresses  his  joy  at  the  prospect 
of  a  considerable  extension  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom — 

"  Pray  for  the  whole  world.  The  Jews  are  beginning  to 
come  in.  The  Armenian  Christians,  in  and  near  Constan- 
tinople, have  recently  resolved  to  abandon  their  corruptions. 
The  Society  Isles,  and  the  Sandwich  Isles,  are  receiving 
the  Gospel.  The  Mission  in  Palestine  is  producing  fruit. 
One  convert,  at  the  last  accounts,  was  six  months  impris- 
soned,  because  of  his  conversion.  The  days  of  the  spread 
of  the  Gospel  most  certainly  are  coming.  Many  run  to 
and  fro — knowledge  increases."         *         *         *         * 

"  How  great  the  privilege  we  possess.  May  our  hearts 
yield  in  gratitude,  as  some  token  of  our  love.  Oh  Lord, 
draw  us,  that  we  may  run  after  thee.  Dear  Thomas,  truly 
your's. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  CORRESPONDENCE. 


I  present  the  following  additional  extracts  from  my  bro- 
ther's correspondence  with  myself — 

"Philadelphia,  January  24th,  1822. 
"  Dear  Thomas:  — I  hope  the  blessing  of  the  Head  of  the 
Church  attends  your  labours,  and  that  you  are  devoting  all 
your  energies,  and  praying  with  all  your  fervency,  for  the 
outpouring  of  the  Spirit  upon  yourself,  your  wife,  child, 
and  congregations.  Our  poor,  dear  father,  ought  not  to  be 
forgotten  by  us.  He  may  yet  be  restored  to  us ;  for  that 
we  should  most  fervently  pray.  Give  our  love  to  Magaret, 
and  kiss  Mary  Treby  for  us. 

"  Your's,  as  ever,  B.  ALLEN." 

"February  16th. 
"  Our  father,  we  must  pray  for  him — I  scarce  know  what 
more,  except  making  him  as  comfortable  as  in  our  power." 
"  My  Bishop  is  an  amiable  man."  *         *         * 

"  I  would  recommend  to  you  one  thing,  which  I  think 
will  increase  your  usefulness ;  and  that  is,  committing  at 
least  one  sermon  a  week  to  memory,  say  your  morning 
discourse.  From  experience,  I  am  satisfied  it  will  more 
than  repay,  in  an  increase  of  usefulness,  and  you  can  still 
extemporize  at  funerals,  &;c.  It  is  by  no  means  as  difficult 
as  you  might  suppose.  May  the  Lord  direct  and  bless  you 
and  your's  and  give  us  both  many  souls  for  our  hire." 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  345 

"  November  7th. 

"  Your  pleasure  in  adding  to  your  communion  must  be 
great.  May  the  Lord  add  more  and  more  of  such  as  shall 
be  saved.  Your  riding  about  and  preaching  from  house 
to  house,  has  its  peculiar  pleasures.  I  often  think  a 
preaching  tour  for  a  week,  would  be  quite  a  pleasure,  and 
I  hope  some  day  to  go  with  you  a  round,  but  not  at  present. 
My  duties  are  numerous.  Oh,  for  grace  to  perform  them. 
Pray'  for  me,  I  beseech  you,  that  Satan  do  not  gain  any 
advantage  over  me." 

"  January  28th,  1823. 

"  Your's  came  duly.  Could  you  not  get  into  the  stage 
and  come  and  see  me ;  then  we  might  confer.  'Tvvould 
give  me  great  pleasure." — "  R.'s  Church  in  S.  is  vacant, 
and  if  you  were  vacant,  would  just  suit  you.  But  I  sup- 
pose you  are  comfortably  planted  near  you  wife's  relations." 

"  No  special  outpouring  of  the  Spirit  among  us,  but  some 
circumstances  that  are  encouraging.  There  would  be  much 
to  interest  and  profit  you,  perhaps,  if  you  would  come  and 
see  me.  Do  come  and  labour  here  a  little  for  your  Master. 
It  might  have  a  reviving  effect,  and  the  Church  has  had 
such  a  blow  in  the  defection  of  R.,  it  needs  help.  The 
Lord  guide  you  to  us." 

"  March  4th. — My  speedy  plans  are  sometimes  not  good, 
but  sometimes  necessary.  It  was  only  at  the  moment  that 
any  thing  could  have  been  done."         *         *         * 

"  The  Lord  may  have  much  work  for  you  where  you  are, 
and  many  souls  to  give.  May  he  direct.  His  will  is  our 
happiness.     Truly  He  is  the  best  guide  and  provider." 

"  June  27th. — Your   letter  was   extremely   acceptable, 

and  though  I  have   been  thus  long  answering  it,  it  is  not 

because  I  have  not  thought  of  you  much  and  often.     May 

the  Lord  bless  the  little  stranger,  and  cause  her  to  be  a 

g2 


346  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

blessing  to  the  world  :  may  she  be  sanctified  by  grace,  and 
brought  at  last  to  her  everlasting  home. 

"  You  have  now  a  charge  to  pray  for,  and  direct — two 
little  ones.  I  hope  your  own  soul  is  growing  in  grace,  and 
is  becoming  more  and  more  interested  for  souls  who  are 
perishing  around  you.  We  have  an  important  work  to  per- 
form, and  we  must  not  relax  at  all,  but  pray  much  and 
labour  much,  and  press  onward  in  the  path  of  effort  until 
our  Master  call  us  home.  May  we  he  ready.  I  may  go 
to  New- York  this  summer,  but  whether  to  Hudson,  I  know 
not.  The  Lord  direct  me.  When  will  you  come  on  1  Can- 
not you  come  within  a  week  or  two  ?  I  wish  most  earn- 
estly you  would  come  before  the  middle  of  next  month : 
much  good  might  come  out  of  it.  If  you  would  be  here 
two  Sundays,  it  would  be  most  gratifying,  and  might  be 
beneficial.  We  might  talk  about  many  things." — "  Come 
and  let  us  see  each  other  once  more,  and  pray  and  preach 
together. 


"August  11th. — May  the  Lord  make  us  thankful,  and 
enable  us  to  be  blessings.  Truly,  your's,  with  love  to  Mar- 
garet." 

"October  7th. — I  fear  it  will  not  be  in  my  power  to 
visit  you  when  you  mention.  My  Church  demands  my 
unremitted  attention :  and  not  improbably  I  may  do  you  as 
much  good  by  coming  at  some  time  when  you  have  no 
help.  May  the  Lord  be  with  you  in  your  Association. 
May  the  Lord  ever  be  with  you,  and  give  you  many  seals." 

"  Nov.  3d. — The  more  am  I  convinced  we  must  rely 
on  our  Lord,  and  on  him  alone.  He  can  make  us  effectual 
in  every  thing.  May  he  help  us  both  to  preach  the  Gospel 
with  more  simplicity  and  sincerity. 

"  I  hope  you  may  find  your  situation  more  inviting  and 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  847 

sufficient.  I  will  do  all  I  can  to  procure  you  a  better,  if 
you  wish  it.  I  have  already  spoken  about  two  or  three. 
Our  father  is  certainly  better. 

"  Afiectionately  your's." 

«  February  27th,  1824. 
"  We  shall  be  very  glad  to  see  you  indeed,  and  expect 
you  as  soon  as  the  spring  opening  will  allow,  and  perhaps 
may  in  summer  return  your  visit.  Bring  sermons  enough 
with  you.  As  to  the  small-pox,  it  is  abating,  and  you 
would  be  in  no  danger.  Vaccination  is  a  better  security 
than  small-pox,  and  if  your  children  have  been  vaccinated 
they  are  secure.  Should  they  ever  be  attacked  it  would 
undoubtedly  be  light.  But  there  is  no  prospect  of  their 
being  attacked.  My  children  did  not  take  it  from  me, 
though  in  the  same  house,  and  one,  during  the  fever,  in 
the  same  bed.  You  may,  therefore,  give  to  the  winds  all 
hesitation,  and  come.  We  will  endeavour  to  make  it  as 
agreeable  to  you,  and  Margaret,  and  the  little  ones,  as  in 
our  power :  and  indeed  it  is  high  time  you  had  all  come  to 
see  us.  Let  there  be  no  more  delay  :  we  are  waiting  for 
you.  Unless  you  visit  us  now,  we  shall  hardly  be  encour- 
aged to  call  on  you  in  the  summer.  Our  father  will  be 
also  glad  to  see  you,  and  your  going  will  be  of  great  advan- 
tage."  "  We  want  more  preaching  and  more  prayers 

here  ;  therefore,  I  hope  you  will  come  in  humility  and  fer- 
vency, and  that  souls  here  will  be  much  benefitted." 

"  Nov.  8th. — We  have  no  special  good  news  in  the  spi- 
ritual world.  I  am  much  encouraged  in  my  congregation. 
Oh  may  we  be  rich  in  souls  !" 

"Philadelphia,  January  4th,  1825. 
"  Dear  Thomas  : — Your's  was  very  acceptable.     There 
is  nothing  so  cheering  to  the  heart  of  the  Christian  minis- 
ter as  seals  of  his  ministry.     '  My  joy  and  crown,'  was  an 


348  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Apostle's  language,  and  well  may  it  be  our's.  You,  I  hope, 
increase  your  private  prayer  and  the  closeness  of  your  walk 
with  Christ,  for  hence  a  blessing  is  made  to  come.  The 
consistent  walk  and  conversation  of  believers  is  often  the 
instrument  of  conversion.  I  heard  an  instance  recently 
spoken  of,  wherein  the  holy  walk  of  three  professors  was 
made  the  means  of  converting  a  soul  that  had  long  stood 
out.  There  must  be  something  in  their  religion,  was  the 
conclusion  at  last. 

"  We  are  now  one  year  nearer  the  hour  when  we  must 
give  account  of  our  faithfulness.  We  must  stand  with  our 
people  before  the  trying  bar.  Oh  !  the  reflection  should 
drive  us  to  our  knees,  and  make  us  go  afresh  to  the  Lamb 
of  God.     We  need  much  pardon,  may  it  not  be  denied  us. 

"Every  year  we  should  find  out  more  of  the  wretched 
sinfulness  of  our  own  hearts,  and  learn  more  humility  and 
meekness.  We  need  much  grace.  May  we  be  sensible 
of  our  need,  and  learn  to  obtain  it. 

"  Truly  I  am  a  wonder  to  myself.  Had  not  an  Almighty 
arm  upheld  me  and  kept  me,  my  hopes  would  long  ago 
have  been  wrecked.  Glory  be  to  God  that  I  am  blessed 
at  all. 

"  May  we  grow  in  every  Christian  grace  and  virtue,  and 
become  like  unto  our  perfect  Pattern — imitating  him  in  all 
that  is  imitable  and  having  his  spirit.  It  is  our  duty  to 
redouble  our  prayers  for  our  father.  He  is  approaching 
age,  and  we  ought  to  supplicate  for  him. 

"  I  am  endeavouring  to  catch  more  of  the  true  spirit  of 
Gospel  preaching.  My  efforts  are  in  need  of  purifying. 
May  the  Lord  direct  me.  Our  love  to  you  and  your's. 
May  the  Spirit  abound  towards  you." 

«  17th  February.— The  Holy  Spirit  fill  all  with  the  fruits 
of  the  Spirit,  and  us  too,  and  our  father,  and  our  people. 
We  all  need  more  grace." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  349 

"March  22d In    the  Rev.  Mr.  Bull's  Church  is   an 

extensive  revival.  He  lives  forty  miles  from  this.  Fifty 
have  found  hope,  and  the  work  is  going  on.  A  late  Re- 
corder has  some  account  of  it. 

"  The  longer  I  live,  the  more  I  feel  the  importance  of 
daily  secret  prayer.  No  matter  what  is  substituted  for  that, 
the  soul  is  injured.  May  our  father  be  always  in  our 
hearts  at  such  times. 

"  Solemn  will  be  the  account  we  must  render  at  the  final 
day.  Precious  souls  committed  to  us !  Lord  have  mercy, 
must  be  my  prayer.     May  he  help  as  to  be  more  faithful. 

"  My  old  clerk  died  last  week — a  most  interesting  case  ; 
fifty  years  a  professing  Christian — impressed  sixty-two 
years  ago  under  Whitfield — truly  pious  and  exceedingly 
humble.  He  was  ready  to  contend  with  Paul,  who  should 
be  called  the  chief  of  sinners.  His  walk  has  been  such  as 
to  call  forth  the  admiration  of  all.  Still  he  felt  and  ex- 
pressed how  easy  it  was  for  a  professor  of  even  long,  very 
long  standing,  never  to  have  experienced  true  religion.  He 
has  gone  home.  Two  adults  were  baptized  in  church  the 
evening  of  his  funeral  sermon. 

"  May  God  bless  your's  and  you — all  of  us  too.  Preach 
Christ,  in  simplicity,  and  with  much  prayer.  We  need  much 
grace." 

"  October  26th. — A  few  were  added  at  our  last  Commu- 
nion, and  two  or  three  were  in  a  good  way,  but  nothing 
remarkable.  We  have  all  the  regular  means  as  usual. 
Cares  multiply." 

"  January  24th,  1826 — I  know  nothing  unfavourable 
concerning  our  parent.  Let  us  pray  more  for  him." — "  Sick 
with  influenza  all  over  Philadelphia.     H.  is  sick  with  it." 

"February  16th. — As  to  changing  situation  at  present, 
you  had  better  remain.  Do  not  change  for  six  months  or 
more  at  least.     This  is  a  singular  request. 


350  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  The  southern  people  are  more  desirable  to  be  among, 
on  several  accounts.  You  may  find  souls  where  you  are 
given  to  you  as  numerously  as  elsewhere. 

"  We  have  been  blessed  with  tolerable  health.  Some 
sick,  but  it  has  been  so  general  we  ought  not  to  complain. 

"  Newton's  Works,  which  I  am  now  reading,  with  Scott's 
Letters  and  Papers,  are  vexy  pleasant  and  exceedingly  pro- 
fitable. The  Lord  reigneth,  and  reigneth  in  love,  is  my 
experience.  Your's,  I  presume,  is  similar.  My  heart  rests 
on  that — the  Lord  reigneth — with  joy. 

"  I  would  give  you  half  a  dozen  of  a  little  book  just  pub- 
lished, if  I  could  send  them." 

"April  13th. — We  have  reason  to  be  thankful  for  the 

account  G.  G.  gives  us  of  our  father." "  The  Lord  hears 

prayer,  though  he  sometimes  delays.  We  must  daily  put 
up  supplication.  Who  knows  but  an  answer  may  come 
when  least  it  is  expected.  We  have  experienced  many 
mercies  in  our  pilgrimage  already. 

"  Trials,  however,  are  necessary.  We  need  them  most, 
and  the  Lord  in  very  faithfulness  will  send  them. 

"  We  must  strive  continually  to  live  nigh  to  God. 

"Dr.  Bank's,  a  clergyman  of  this  city,  last  Sunday 
preached  twice,  and  on  Monday  morning  was  a  corpse.  He 
was  remarkably  well  on  Sunday.  We  yesterday  attended 
his  body  to  the  grave.  Yes,  before  the  week  was  half  out, 
he  was  lying  in  the  dust,  whence  the  archangel  shall  call 
him,  to  give  an  account  of  himself  to  God.  We  may  sud- 
denly be  called — and  we  know  we  shall  be  called.  Let  us 
every  day  then  ask,  am  I  ready  ?  and  always  live  as  though 
the  next  day  might  be  our  last. 

"  The  Lord  be  with  you,  bless  you  all,  and  give  you  the 
abundance  of  his  Holy  Spirit."  *  *  * 

"  September. — What  route  is  best  to  your  house  ;  by 
Washington  ?  The  possibility  of  my  b'eing  able  yet  to  visit 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  351 

you,  leads  to  the  inquiry.     May  we  meet  at  last  with  our 
father,  in  a  Heavenly  world. 

"  Harriot  has  been  in  worse  health  than  ever,  this  sum- 
mer. Travelling  is  essential  to  her.  We  have  gone  out 
and  home  repeatedly,  and  it  has  benefitted  her  much." 

"  September  26th — Your's  is  becoming  a  numerous 
household.  May  that  Spirit  which  can  renew  after  the 
Divine  image,  graciously  visit  Margaret  and  all  of  you. 

"  Your's  is  a  pleasant  state  of  things,  in  which  Associa- 
tions can  be  enjoyed.  Once  in  a  great  while  I  go  to  the 
country,  to  breathe  its  re-invigorating  air,  and  preach." 

"  November. — Pray  for  our  father.  He  is  better,  and 
goes  to  Church.  The  Lord  has  heard  our  prayers,  and 
favoured  us.     We  ought  to  praise  and  adore.     Pray  for  us." 

"Philadelphia,  January  4th,  1827. 

"  Dear  Brother  : — Another  of  our  years  has  gone.  What 
has  it  testified  at  the  bar  of  God  ?  We  ought  to  mourn  over 
our  sins,  and  to  bow  humbly  at  the  foot  of  the  cross,  seeking 
anew  that  clothing  of  a  Redeemer's  righteousness,  without 
which  it  will  be  impossible  for  us  to  stand  before  God. 
Have  we  truly  repented  ?  unfeignedly  believed?  and  is  love 
to  God  even  now  shed  abroad  in  our  corrupt  hearts  ?  May 
we  pray  for  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  day  by  day  !"       *         * 

"April. 

"  Dear  Brother : — By  Mr.  B.,  you  will  receive  one  or  two 
volumes,  which  I  hope  to  find  acceptable. 

"  Receive  my  congratulations  on  the  receipt  of  your 
account  of  the  dealings  of  God  with  your  soul.  Living 
near  the  Lord,  will  be  instrumental  in  continuing  the  light 
and  comfort  to  you.  Your  whole  hope  i«  to  be  placed  on 
his  free  grace.  Trust  him  with  every  thing — children  and 
all.  Keep  looking  to  him.  Our  experience  of  his  good- 
ness is  such,  we  ought  to  glorify  him  for  ever."         *         * 

"  There  are  many  trials  before  us ;  we  have  but  to  look 


362  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

to  Christ.  His  grace  will  prove  enough.  Our  day  shall 
never  be  without  sufficient  strength.  It  has  been  promised." 
"  My  sOul  is  more  engaged  in  the  proper  work  assigned  as 
Pastor. 

"  Have  you  a  Bible  Class?  That  is  exceedingly  precious, 
both  to  Pastor  and  the  young.  How  progresses  your  Sun- 
day-schools  ? 

"  Will  you,  at  your  Association,  offer  hearty  prayers  for 
us?  We  of  the  state  of  Pennsylvania  have  much  need  of 
help,  grace,  direction." 

"  September  21st. — Thomas,  we  ought  daily  to  pray  for 
our  father.     He  was  as  usual,  when  1  last  had  a  line  or  two." 

"  I  fear  difficulties  are  to  increase  with  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  here.  The  Lord  deliver  us.  You  should 
unite  in  prayer. 

"  We  hope  the  Lord  blesses  your  labours. 

"  Tell  Margaret  to  pray  for  my  children,  as  well  as  her's. 
You  would  afford  us  pleasure  by  coming.  Love  as  due. — 
Our  prayers  are  unto  God  for  help.  We  trust  he  yet  will, 
as  hitherto  has  been  the  case,  listen  to  our  prayers. 

"  Affectionately  your's,  BENJAMIN  ALLEN." 

In  the  foregoing  extracts,  we,  perhaps,  more  distinctly 
discover  my  brother's  real  character,  than  if  he  had  pre- 
pared a  regular  diary  of  his  experience.  It  is  indeed 
grateful  to  attend  to  the  humble,  pious,  and  ardent  breath- 
ings of  his  devoted  bosom  after  the  increase  of  holiness, 
usefulness,  and  the  glory  of  God.  And  that  which  stands 
truly  prominent,  is  his  filial  affection;  his  anxious  solici- 
tude for  the  present  comfort  and  everlasting  happiness  of 
an  afflicted  parent. 

Oh !  may  all  who  read,  catch  so  much  of  his  spirit,  as 
shall  render  them  tender  and  affectionate  to  parents  and 
seniors ;  constrain  them  to  hunger  and  thirst  after  righte- 
ousness, and  pant  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  honour  and 
immortal  blessedness  of  all  mankind.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


HIS  HEALTH  FAILS PROPOSES  MY  REMOVAL  TO  PHILADEL- 
PHIA  PROPOSES  A  VOYAGE  TO  EUROPE — CHURCH  MIS- 
SIONARY HOUSE CHRISTIAN  MAGAZINE NEW  PLANS. 


Soon  after  I  met  with  my  brother  in  the  District  of  Colum- 
bia, he  informed  me  that  his  body  was  evidently  giving 
way  under  the  severe  pressure  of  his  labours,  and  pointed 
to  symptoms  of  an  alarming  character.  He,  therefore,  was 
constrained  to  look  around  for  some  individual  to  share  his 
labours  with  him.  His  eye  was  speedily  directed  to  my- 
self. And  he  wrote  to  me  on  the  subject  of  my  removing 
to  Philadelphia — 

''November  17th,  1827. 

*'  Thomas  : — Desirous  of  procuring  an  individual  that  is 
ready  to  preach  occasionally  (once  at  least  in  the  seven 
days)  lecture — attend  prayer-meetings — aid  my  too  great 
efforts    connected  with   Sunday-schools  in   St.  Paul's — I 

write  to  know,  should  you  be  willing,  whether  $ per 

annum  could  supply  all  necessary  wants.  It  was,  years  ago, 
my  earnest  desire  that  a  more  healthy  climate  should  be  the 
place  of  your  abode.  I  think  it  right  you  should,  for  the 
sake  of  Christ's  cause,  preserve  your  life  :  the  probability 
is,  this  climate  would  preserve  it.  Facilities  for  educating 
your  children  too  would  be  furnished  here,  that  it  cannot 
be  in  their  power  to  enjoy  there.    Will  you  come  ? 

"  My  Sunday-schools  require  to  be  visited  every  Sunday. 
They  comprise  six  hundred  scholars,  (four  to  five  hundred 
Hh 


354  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

regular  attendants.)  In  the  number  is  comprised  a  Bible- 
school,  which  needs  assistance  by  visiting,  praying  with,  &c. 
— two  Bible-classes  every  Sunday  also.  My  health  (spit 
blood  every  few  months  so  sure  as  too  great  exertion)  de- 
mands a  help.     The  congregation  prefer  the  preaching  of 

you  to   that  of  many." "  The  people  will  help  me  to 

raise  a  portion  of  the  salary.  Homilies  or  occasional 
attendance  on  your  part  to  other  publications  of  similar 
character,  (under  my  responsibility  and  help)  will  aid  fur- 
ther. I  will  see  the  remainder  in  some  way  made  up. 
Some  means  can  be  devised  to  have  preaching  by  you  three 
times  a  Sunday,  (though  twice  will  be  sufficient.)  This 
too  enables  you  to  be  in  general  at  home  ;  though  it  may 
be  needful  to  visit  New- York  or  some  other  place  occa- 
sionally.    Write  immediately. 

"  P.  S.  Since  closing  my  letter  the  first  time,  I  am 
informed  it  is  in  agitation  to  appoint  you  Sunday-school 
Agent  for  Maryland,  and  let  you  take  up  your  abode  at  Bal- 
timore, (eight  hundred  dollars  and  travelling  expenses.) 

Let  me  know  whether  you  will  accept  my  offer  soon  as 
possible.  Should  the  offer  be  accepted,  it  will  be  neces- 
sary for  your  whole  time  to  be  given  to  St.  Paul's." 

He  again  wrote —  "  Monday,  19th  November. 

"Dear  Thomas: — Since  writing  on  Saturday,  I  have 
conversed  particularly  with  the  Vestryman  of  St.  Paul's, 
who  superintends  the  Sunday-school  establishment.  He 
earnestly  desires  the  arrangement.  The  chief  members  in 
the  congregation  would  aid  in  bringing  it  to  pass.  Some- 
time ago  they  were  about  having  an  arrangement  to  assist 
in  supporting  a  young  man  to  read,  preach,  &c.  part  of  the 
time.  The  fact  also  is,  that  a  very  important  and  encour- 
aging opening  for  building  a  new  church,  is  inviting  some 
one  in  the  western  part  of  the  city,  which  is  rapidly  set- 
tling.    Broad   street  is  building  up,  so  are  other  streets 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  355 

west.  A  church  will  very  soon  be  needed  there.  No  one 
now  exists  in  all  the  west  beyond  Broad.  There  might  you 
officiate  Sunday  mornings.  Sunday  nights  it  would  be 
necessary  that  you  preach  in  St.  Paul's.  The  need  of  you 
is  felt  by  me,  my  people,  and  Sunday-school  teachers. 
While  this  will  remove  you  to  a  field  where  you  are  likely 
to  remain  in  company  with  your  family  more — you  may  all 
the  time,  save  a  trip  to  New-York,  &c.,  now  and  then,  be 
with  them — my  removal  or  death  may  open  a  permanent 
field  of  usefulness. 

"  As  to  supplying  your  place  at  this  time,  Mr.  H.  just 
leaving  this  Diocess  is  ready  to  remove  to  such  a  place — 
well  fitted  to  it.  He  was  at  Alexandria,  desirous  of  a 
settlement,  and  could,  undoubtedly,  be  immediately  pro- 
cured, so  as  to  prevent  a  vacancy  of  even  a  single  Sabbath. 
Come  and  talk  about  the  things.  Let  H.  be  applied  to. 
"Your's,  BENJ'N.  ALLEN." 

In  my  answers  to  my  brother,  I  brought  a  long  array  of 
objections  to  his  propositions,  on  the  ground  of  my  health, 
his  plans  not  being  properly  matured,  &c. — also,  I  had  a 
strong  attachment  to  the  people  of  my  charge ;  the  Lord 
had  owned  and  blessed  my  labours  among  them,  and  I  felt 
unwilling  to  leave  them.  I,  however,  did  not  positively 
refuse  to  remove,  if  a  suitable  door  was  opened  elsewhere, 
but  wished  to  leave  the  entire  concern  to  the  guidance  and 
direction  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  as  he  saw  would  most 
promote  his  glory  and  our  good. 

My  brother's  declining  health  awakened  up  the  sympa- 
thies of  my  bosom,  and  I  expressed  myself  as  constrained 
to  render  him  every  assistance  that  I  could  consistently. 

He  consequently  again  wrote  to  me,  in  a  letter  post- 
marked December  10th — 

"  As  it  has  pleased  God  to  dispose  your  heart  to  visit  this 
as  a  permanent  place,  I  entreat  you  merely  to  put  spurs  to 


356  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

your  horse,  ride  to  Baltimore,  and  get  here  by  next  Sun- 
day. That  will  enable  us  to  attend  to  every  arrangement 
requisite  to  removing.     Not  an  hour  to  be  spared. 

"  A  third  is  assisting  in  discharge  of  the  duties  I  men- 
tioned ;  still  there  is  room  enough.     A  building  must  be 

erected  and  g secured  in  divers  ways — I  responsible. 

As  you  suggested,  it  is  best  perhaps  some  other  should 
assist  me  :  though  Sunday  nights,  1  should  want  you  at  St. 
Paul's.  Then  the  Church  west  of  Broad  and  south  of 
Market  may  be  your's.  It  affords  satisfaction  to  my  heart 
to  hail  your  coming  to  Philadelphia." 

Soon  after  1  received  the  above,  I  left  my  parishes  and 
came  on  as  far  as  Baltimore  on  my  way  to  Philadelphia. 
On  my  arrival  in  Baltimore,  I  found  such  new  arrange- 
ments made  relative  to  the  movements  of  the  steamboats 
between  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia,  as  completely  inter- 
fered with  all  my  plans.  I,  therefore,  abandoned  for  the 
present  my  visit  to  my  brother,  and  wrote  to  him  and  begged 
him  to  be  more  explicit  in  the  expressions  of  his  views  and 
plans  ;  and  to  give  me,  as  distinctly  as  possible,  the  duties, 
usefulness,  comfort,  and  permanency  of  the  station  he  had 
in  view  for  me.  I  also  consulted  with  brother  Henshaw ; 
he  was  not  satisfied  as  to  the  opening  in  Philadelphia. 

My  brother  finally  changed  his  plans  in  some  degree, 
and  determined  to  visit  Europe  with  reference  to  the  resto- 
ration of  his  health.  He  so  brought  his  case  before  me  as 
to  lead  me  at  once  to  visit  him — 

"  Philadelphia,  January  7th,  1828. 

"  My  Dear  Brother : — It  has  become  necessary  for  me  to 

take  a  trip  of  some  kind  on  account  of  my  health.     The 

result  is,  I  expect  to  sail  for  England  April  1st,  and  return 

early"  in  the  month  of  September.     This  is  now  b.  new 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  357 

reason  why  you  had  better  pay  me  a  visit.  It  is  not  in  the 
nature  of  things  for  me  to  say  all  I  need  to  say  as  to  cir- 
cumstances, by   letter.     I  am  able  to  pledge  $- per 

annum.  You  inquire,  Who  is  your  pay -master?  Christ. 
Now,  should  every  Vestry  in  the  world  unite  in  pledging 
you  support,  and  Christ  be  against  you,  it  would  be  una- 
vailing. Therefore  look  to  Him  as  your  banker.  In 
former  days,  Christ  caused  me  to  be  the  instrument  of 
aiding  you  along.  Have  you  no  faith  ?  Not  in  me — but  in 
Christ  ? 

"  A  Prayer-book  establishment  has  recently  been  opened. 
I  offered  a  clergyman  six  hundred  dollars  per  annum  to 

be  its  attendant." "  This  establishment  will  require 

your  general  superintendance  while  my  absence  continues. 
My  Church  will,  during  my  absence,  require  some  one  to 
attend  to  it.  Who  that  will  be,  I  have  not  yet  decided. 
Great  good,  however,  might  result  if  you  would  spend  a 
few  days  with  me,  embracing,  at  least,  more  Sundays  than 
two.  As  my  journey  will  be  one  of  danger,  we  never  may 
see  each  other.  You  will  therefore,  I  trust,  come.  I  hope 
to  be  in  London  during  the  religious  meetings  in  May — 
Agent  to  American  Sunday-School  Union,  Bible  Society, 
&'c.  &c. 

"  My  store  enables  me  to  dispose  of  my  books,  &c.  &c. 
Living  Manners  is  stereotyped,  and  going  off  very  well. 

"  Dr.  Aydelott  is  called  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

"  I  require,  from  my  state  of  health,  a  young  man  to  read 
prayers  for  mc,  and  give  him  8400  for  that  and  some  other 
services. 

"  St.  Paul's  Sunday-school  Teachers  are  supporting  a  Sun- 
day-school Missionary. 

"  Can  you  not  travel  on  horseback  ?  Trusting  you  will 
not  long  delay  your  coming — love  to  Margaret  and  little 
ones.  Vour's,  truly,  B.  ALLEN." 

h3 


358  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

This  decided  my  movements,  and  in  my  answer  I  ob- 
served to  my  brother — 

"  RocKviLLE,  Montgomery  County,  Md.  > 
January  14th,  182S.      ^ 

"  Beloved  Brother  : — It  is  truly  painful  to  hear  of  your 
bad  health.  May  God  direct  to  the  use  of  those  means 
which  shall  be  blessed  to  your  restoration.  I  trust  he  has 
yet  much  work  for  you  in  breaking  down  the  strong  holds 
of  satan,  and  rearing  up  the  standard  of  the  cross  in  the 
world. 

"  I  feel  myself  constrained  to  visit  you  immediately.  My 
present  design  is  to  leave  this  next  Monday,  and  travel  on 
horseback,  as  you  suggest.  I  think  of  going  by  the  way  of 
York  and  Lancaster,  as  the  most  proper  at  this  season. 
I  expect  to  be  three  or  four  days  on  the  road.  I  am  mak- 
ing arrangements  to  spend  two  Sabbaths  with  you,  if  neces- 
sary.    Our  love  to  Harriot. 

"  Your  affectionate  brother, 

THO'S.  G.  ALLEN." 

On  the  21st  of  January,  I  left  my  parishes,  and  entered 
on  my  journey  for  Philadelphia,  where  1  arrived  at  the 
close  of  the  24th.  The  prominent  object  in  this  visit  was, 
once  more  to  meet  with  my  beloved  brother.  As  to  my 
removal  to  Philadelphia,  I  was  far  from  being  favourable. 
In  fact,  as  far  as  1  can  now  recollect  my  feelings,  I  was 
decidedly  opposed  to  the  plan.  However,  by  repeated 
interviews  with  my  brother,  my  opposition  gradually  gave 
way,  and  I  finally  consented  to  remove.  As  giving  a  view 
of  our  feelings  and  plans,  I  present  the  following  extract 
from  my  journal. — "  Monday  28th  :  I  had  a  more  satisfac- 
tory interview  with  my  brother  on  the  subject  of  my  removal 
to  this  place.  He  says,  as  we  commenced  our  course 
together,  so  he  is  desirous  that  we  should  continue  and  act 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  359 

together ;  and  that  we  should  divide  to  the  last  for  our  mu- 
tual support. 

"  His  object  is,  for  me  to  have  a  general  oversight  of  his 
Mission  and  Prayer-book  establishment ;  to  take  charge  of 
his  Church  either  alone,  or  in  connexion  with  another, 
during  his  absence  in  Europe,  and  after  his  return,  for  me 
to  continue  as  long  as  I  think  T  cannot  do  better,  acting  in 
concert  with  him,  in  the  general  discharge  of  his  parochial 
and  other  duties."  *  *  *  * 

"  May  the  Lord  direct  me  to  pursue  that  course  which 
shall  most  glorify  his  holy  name  ;  most  promote  the  happi- 
ness of  my  fellows ;  and  to  take  my  stand  where  I  shall 
most  enjoy  the  smiles  of  his  love  in  Christ,  and  where  my 
family  shall  enjoy  that  grace  which  shall  bring  eternal  sal- 
vation to  all  their  souls.     Amen.     Amen.''         *         * 

I  also  add,  to  me,  the  grateful  circumstance,  that  on 
"  Sabbath,  February  3tl,  I  attended  in  St.  Paul's  Church, 
preached  and  administered  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  to  my  brother — also  brother  R.  and  N.  and  a  large 
number  of  communicants.     A  refreshing  season."     *     * 

I  obtained  the  consent  of  the  Rev.  William  H.  Rees  to 
become  my  successor  in  Maryland.  1  left  Philadelphia  on 
my  return  to  my  family  and  people,  on  Monday,  February 
4th.  I  made  arrangements  for  an  immediate  removal  to 
Philadelphia. 

My  brother  wrote  to  me,  "  February  28th — You  at  pre- 
sent are  expected  to  make  my  house  your  first  stopping 
place.  Every  thing  delightfully  progresses,  through  the 
Lord's  gracious  kindness.  No  difficulty  likely  to  occur. 
People  pleased  with  you.  All  promising.  'Tis  most  ex- 
tremely important  all  should  be  kept  quiet ;  so  very  large 
is  the  congregation,  a  little  move  wrong,  might  do  much 
mischief.  It  is  essential,  therefore,  that  you  hurry  on.  I 
am  unable  to  preach."  *  *  *  * 


360  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

His  last  letter  to  me  before  my  removal,  is  dated 

"  Philadelphia,  March  4th,  1828. 
*'  Dear  Brother : — We  are  with  much  pleasure  and  great 
interest  looking  for  you.  I  pray  you  do  not  delay  later  than 
to  the  first  of  the  next  week ;  the  middle  of  the  week  after, 
my  departure  occurs ;  viz.,  on  the  20th.  I  am  grateful  to 
a  God  of  mercy,  for  the  general  satisfaction  existing  in  the 
congregation,  in  view  of  your  being  here.  Smith  is  not 
yet  heard  from.  And  whether  or  no  his  coming  may  be 
expected,  is  very  uncertain.  Therefore,  you  will,  perhaps,  be 
alone.  The  Lord  is  sufficient  however.  Having  much  to 
say,  which  there  is  neither  room,  time,  nor  ability  to  say 
with  pen  and  ink,  I  defer,  till  face  to  face  we  may  con- 
verse." ****** 

"  We  have  a  very  interesting  time  in  the  Church.  My 
poor  body  reminds  me  daily,  that  if  I  am  not  speedy  in 
seeking  some  remedy  likely  to  prove  important  and  effec- 
tual in  character,  a  few  more  weeks,  or  months  at  most, 
will  finish  my  career.  Six  children,  a  wife  and  a  Church, 
and  world  calling  for  effort,  say  to  me — go  and  seek  reno- 
vation of  body,  and  leave  home-matters  to  Christ.  The 
Lord  be  praised  for  every  thing.  Your's,  ever, 

B.  ALLEN." 

As  is  intimated  in  the  above,  my  brother  also  applied  to 
the  Rev.  B.  B.  Smith,  to  officiate  in  his  Church  during  his 
absence  ;  and  to  establish  a  lectureship  in  the  city.  Though 
Mr.  Smith  took  some  time  to  consider  the  propositions,  yet 
another  path  soon  opened  before  him,  and  he  accepted  the 
Rectorship  of  Grace  Church,  in  Philadelphia,  and  became 
the  Editor  of  the  Recorder.  I  was  anxious  that  Mr.  Smith 
should  unite  with  me  in  the  charge  of  St.  Paul's,  which 
was  my  brother's  plan  ;  for  my  heart  shrunk  from  the  labours 
and  great  responsibility  which  the  entire  charge  would 
throw  upon  me. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  361 

I  have  thus  enlarged  on  this  subject,  in  order  to  present 
the  prominent  feelings  and  views,  both  of  my  brother  and 
myself,  in  connexion  vi^ith  my  removal  to  Philadelphia. 

In  December,  1827,  my  brother  opened  a  book  establish- 
ment, which  he  denominated  the  Prayer-book,  or  Church 
Missionray  House.  A  prominent  object  with  him  was,  to 
bring  down  the  price  of  Prayer-books,  and  place  that  ex- 
cellent formulary  within  the  reach  of  all  the  members  of 
the  Church.  He  also  designed  to  publish  the  Homilies  and 
other  works  ;  and  the  profits  of  the  establishment  to  be  de- 
voted to  the  support  of  missions  in  the  suburbs  of  Phila- 
delphia. His  first  agent  in  the  Missionary  House  was  a 
clergyman,  who  also  was  to  act  as  one  of  the  missionaries, 
and  my  brother  agreed  to  give  him,  foriiis  entire  services, 
six  hundred  dollars  per  annum. 

I  give  the  following  extract  from  the  advertisement  of  the 
"  Church  Missionary  House,  No.  92  South  Third  street, 
opposite  St.  Paul's  Church."  With  a  number  of  my  bro- 
ther's publications,  is  noticed  for  sale,  "  Doddridge's  Rise 
and  Progress  ;  Henry  Milner  ,•  Scott's  Force  of  Truth." — 
"  Also,  the  publications  of  the  American  Sunday-School 
Union,  and  the  American  Tract  Society,  together  with  a 
great  variety  of  other  books  and  tracts." — "  The  rule  of 
this  establishment  will  be,  that  no  credit  will  be  allowed  to 
any  one.  Its  object  being  to  supply  the  Church  with  the 
Prayer-Book  at  the  lowest  rate,  and  also  with  the  Homilies, 
makes  this  a  necessary  rule." — "  Every  farthing  of  the 
profits  of  this  establishment  will  be  sacred  to  the  cause  of 
Christ,  devoted  to  the  spread  of  the  Gospel.  As  the  greater 
part  of  the  profits,  it  is  probable,  will  aid  missionaries,  the 
name  of  the  establishment  is  appropriate." 

My  brother  prepared  and  published  a  number  of  works 
in  connexion  with  this  establishment.  He  wrote  the 
"  Narrative  of  the  Labours,  Suflferings,  and  Final  Triumph 
of  the  Rev.  William  Eldred,  late  a  Missionary  of  the  Society 


362  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

for  the  advancement  of  Christianity  in  Pennsylvania."  The 
copyright  of  this  he  held  "  in  trust  for  the  benefit  of 
the  widow  and  orphans  of  the  deceased  missionary." — He 
also  published  a  small  work  of  seventy-two  pages,  "  entitled, 
General  Stevens,  or  the  Fancy-Bail,  being  the  Third  Part 
of  Living  Manners." — He  abridged  the  work  of  the  "  Rev. 
George  Croley,  A.  M.  H.  R.  L.  S.,  on  the  Apocalypse." 
This  he  gave  to  the  public  in  a  volume  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty-five  pages,  under  the  title  of  "  The  Church  in  the  fires 
of  Persecution  ;  or  a  History  of  the  Sufferings  of  the  Church, 
from  the  days  of  our  Saviour." — The  following  is  the  pre- 
face.— "  This  is  an  extract  from  a  larger  work  on  the  Apo- 
calypse. It  details,  in  style  so  beautiful  and  sublime,  the 
history  of  the  sufferings  of  the  Church,  and  is  so  well  cal- 
culated to  refresh  the  memories  of  all,  as  well  as  to  inform 
such  as  have  no  leisure  to  read  many  volumes,  that  it  is 
both  valuable  and  interesting. 
"  January  7th,  1828." 

He  also  abridged  the  work  of  the  "  Rev.  Edward  Irving, 
minister  of  the  Caledonian  Church,  London,  on  the  prophe- 
cies of  Daniel  and  the  Apocalypse,  which  relate  to  these 
latter  times." — In  the  Preface  he  observes — "  These  pages 
are  extracted  from  a  larger  work,  in  two  volumes,  and  con- 
tain a  view  of  the  prophecies  which  have  been  fulfilled 
within  the  last  thirty-three  years,  by  the  circumstances  of 
the  French  Revolution,  the  wars  of  Napoleon,  &;c.  They 
are  also  peculiarly  interesting,  because  of  the  proofs  they 
give  us,  founded  on  a  calculation  of  the  period  mentioned 
in  Daniel,  that  toe  are  within  forty  years  of  the  Millennium. 
Philadelphia,  1828." 

This  work  forms  a  12mo.  volume,  of  one  hundred  and 
eighteen  pages.     He  had  it  stereotyped. 

My  brother,  on  the  2d  of  January,  1828,  issued  the  first 
number  of  a  Magazine,  under  the  title  of  "  The  Christian 
Warrior."     This  was  to  appear  every  week  in  sixteen  pages. 


KEV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  363 

The  following  extract  from  the  editorial  in  the  second  num- 
ber, gives  his  views — 

"  Philadelphia,  January  9,  1828. 
"  The  Editor  of  this  publication  feels  that  he  is  called 
upon  to  say  something  concerning  his  views,  and  the  prin- 
ciples by  which  he  expects  to  be  governed.     They  are 
then,  in  general,  the  principles  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church.     A  minister  of  that  Church,  he  loves  her  doctrines 
and  her  views  of  polity." — "  He  resolves  to  set  forth  pre- 
cisely the  views  of  polity  advocated  by  Bishop  White  in 
his  pamphlet  of  '83,  and  again  declared  as  held  by  him  in 
1820  :  those  views  which  have  prompted  the  moderation  of 
his  long  career,  and  still  permit  him  to  preside  over  the 
oldest  of  American  Bible  Societies — those  messengers  of 
God.     He  holds  the  doctrine  of  the  sovereignty  of  the  Most 
High,  and  the  free  agency  of  man." — "  If  he  were  to  select 
any  human  work  which  expresses  most  completely  his  views 
of  doctrine,  that  work  would  be  the  Christian  Observer. 
Prayer-meetings,  as  recently  advocated  by  the  Bishop  of 
the  land  of  his  fathers — Bishop  Griswold — whose  apology, 
or  rather  whose  defence  of  prayer-meetings,  it  is  his  design 
to  have  stereotyped — he  believes  are  nurseries  for  Heaven. 
Bishop  Burnet,  in  his  History  of  his  own  times,  informs 
him,  that  in  prayer-meetings  were  born    societies  which 
have,  for  now  more  than  a  century,  run  their  active  course 
— one  of  which,  the  Society  for  the  Propagation  of  the 
Gospel,  planted  the  Episcopal  Church  in  America. 

"  Revivals  of  religion  he  prays  may  abound,  until  all 
Loadiceans  are  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  their  mind." 

The  London  Christian  Review,  and  Clerical  Magazine, 
the  republication  of  which  was  commenced  in  this  country, 
my  brother  united  with  his  publication.  He  purchased  of 
the  publisher  his  subscription  list,  and  the  copies  of  the 
first  number  of  the  Review  which  were  on  hand.  A  por- 
tion of  the  subsequent  numbers  of  the  Review,  were  em- 


364  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

bodied  in  his  work.  He  therefore  changed  the  title,  from 
the  Warrior,  to  the  Christian  Magazine.  In  May,  this 
work  was  changed  to  a  monthly  publication  of  thirty-two 
pages,  and  thus  it  continued,  under  my  direction,  till  the 
close  of  the  volume.  The  following  from  the  Prospectus, 
gives  my  brother's  own  language — 

"  The  Christian  Review,  and  Clerical  Magazine,  edited 
in  London  by  certain  Evangelical  Preachers  of  the  Church 
of  England,  who  have  come  out  in  the  true  spirit  of  the 
Gospel,  resolving  to  attack  '  wickedness  in  high  places,^  is 
made  a  component  part  of  this  Miscellany,  and  every  thing 
in  that  Review,  calculated  to  benefit  American  believers, 
is  to  be  re-published  in  The  Christian  Magazine. 

"  The  Editor  intends  to  procure  all  the  information,  of  a 
religious  character,  in  his  power  while  in  England,  and  his 
brother  will  attend  to  its  being  inserted  ;  so  that  The  Chris- 
tian Magazine  will  convey  the  most  ample,  as  well  as 
recent  intelligence  of  the  proceedings  of  the  British  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  all  the  great  religious  Institu- 
tions of  the  age.  The  Lord  has  a  mighty  work,  and  this 
Magazine,  while  it  defends  sound  doctrine,  is  designed  to 
be  a  herald  of  His  movements. 
"February,  1828." 

For  a  number  of  years  it  was  his  anxious  desire  to  mul- 
tiply copies  of  the  Homilies  of  the  Church.  October  12th, 
1825,  he  wrote  to  me  on  this  subject — 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — Your's  gave  me  much  pleasure,  espe- 
cially as  informing  of  the  improvement  of  your  health.  Be 
careful,  now  you  are  recovering.     It  requires  special  care. 

"  The  subject  of  the  Homilies  is  so  very  important,  I 
cannot  but  hope,  when  you  recover  sufficiently,  you  will 
stir  in  the  matter.  Our  people  need  them,  as  sound 
instructors,  having  the  sanction  of  the  Reformers.  So 
much  is  done  to  poison  them  with  false  doctrine,  there  is 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  365 

much  need  to  use  every  effort  to  circulate  Scriptural  means 
of  keeping  them  in  the  right  way.  We  arc  to  live  but  a 
short  time ;  this  is  designed  to  do  good  after  we  are  dead. 
An  effort  is  to  be  made  to  have  it  stereotyped,  through 
means  of  this  edition.  If  that  be  done,  great  good  will  be 
effected  for  the  Church.  May  the  Lord  help  us." — "  May 
the  Lord  give  us  grace  to  pray  more,  to  live  nearer  to  him, 
to  be  more  holy,  more  devoted,  more  all  we  ought  to  be." 
"  Your's,  truly,  B.  A." 

In  July,  1826,  he  mentioned  to  me  a  plan  of  publishing 
the  Homilies  in  numbers,  at  twelve  and  a  half  cents  a  num- 
ber— a  number  every  two  or  three  weeks  ;  beautiful  paper, 
plates;  marginal  remarks  are  to  be  added  to  the  edition. 
"  My  aim  is,"  (he  observes,)  "to  fill  the  Church  with  the 
Homilies.  They  are  stereotyping.  First  number  will  be 
ready  in  four  weeks,  or  less.  Your  co-operation  I  anxiously 
expect — must  help  me.  Forty  per  cent.  I  will  allow.  Set 
the  former  agent  in  operation  with  it,  all  over  the  country." 

In  April,  1827,  he  writes — "The  Homilies,  for  want  of 
sufficient  encouragement,  are  not  even  yet  printed." 

After  the  Missionary  House  was  opened,  he  kept  the 
j)ublication  of  the  Homilies  prominently  before  him.  He 
proceeded  so  far,  as  to  stereotype  the  three  first  Homilies. 
As  has  been  already  mentioned,  his  design  was,  after  the 
work  was  completed,  to  present  the  stereotype  plates  to 
Kenyon  College,  Ohio. 

Proposals  were  also  issued  "  for  publishing  by  subscrip- 
tion, in  one  volume,  12mo.  '  Bishop  Burnet's  History  of  his 
Own  Time,'  Abridged  by  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Rector 
of  St.  PauVs  Church,  Philadelphia." 

Another  important  work  that  he  had  in  view,  was  the 
publishing  a  pocket  edition  of  Dr.  Thomas  Scott's  Com- 
mentary.    The  following  is  from  the  Prospectus — 

"  The  work  will  be  issued  in  numbers  of  thirty-six  ISmo. 
I  i 


366  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

pages  each,  commencing,  for  the  greater  convenience  of 
Sunday-school  teachers,  with  the  New  Testament.  The 
design  is,  however,  to  publish  the  whole  Commentary. 

"  It  will  be  printed  from  the  latest  edition,  on  fine  royal 
paper,  with  a  handsome  new  type,  and  will  be  delivered  to 
subscribers  every  Saturday,  at  ten  cents  per  number,  paya- 
ble on  delivery.  Those  who  prefer  taking  it  in  volumes, 
can  receive  it  at  eighty  cents  per  volume,  of  about  three 
hundred  and  fifty  pages  bound.  It  will  be  put  to  press  as 
soon  as  a  suflicient  number  of  subscribers  are  obtained  to 
warrant  the  publication." 

The  arrangements  for  the  above  work,  he  left  in  my 
bands  during  his  absence. 

Much  good  was  no  doubt  effected  by  the  establishment 
of  the  Missionary  House.  Many  useful  works  were  thus 
circulated  ;  much  Gospel  truth  sent  abroad  into  the  world. 

My  brother  also  purchased  a  sett  of  stereotype  plates  of  the 
Octavo  Prayer-book,  and  published  a  small  edition  from 
them.  And  he  had  another  set  of  18mo.  plates  prepared 
for  him.  Thousands  of  copies  have  already  been  struck 
from  these  plates.  The  price  of  Prayer-books,  I  believe, 
was  much  reduced,  in  consequence  of  my  brother's  move- 
ments. 

Before  any  profit  was  realized  from  the  establishment,  he 

proffered  a  donation  of  one  hundred  dollars   per  annum, 

for  the  education  of  young  men  for  the  ministry.     On  the 

first   leaf  of  the  account-book  of  the  Missionary  House,  I 

.find,  in  my  brother's  hand,  the  following — 

"  Standing  Donations. — The  Episcopal  Education  and 
Missionary  Society,  is  authorized  to  draw  one  hundred  dol- 
lars per  annum,  in  semi-annual  payments.  Offer  made  them 
February  16th,  1828." 

In  connexion  with  the  above,  I  present  the  following, 
which  was  addressed  to  my  brother — 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  367 

"  Philadelphia,  February  19th,  1828. 

"Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  :— Your  letter  of  the  16th,  directed 
to  ine  as  Secretary  of  the  Episcopal  Missionary  and  Edu- 
cation Society,  promptly  and  liberalJy  offering  one  hundred 
dollars  per  annum,  in  aid  of  their  funds,  for  the  education 
of  young  men  for  the  ministry,  was  laid  before  the  Board 
on  Saturday  evening. 

"  The  Board  fully  appreciating  your  devotion  to  the  cause 
of  Christ,  have  directed  me  to  transmit  to  you  the  annexed 
Resolution,  expressive  of  their  sense  of  this  evidence  of 
your  real  co-operation  with  them.  Permit  me  to  say,  that 
the  duty  is  pleasant  indeed.  With  my  best  wishes  for 
yourself  personally,  and  for  the  cause  in  which  you  are 
engaged,  I  remain  affectionately  your's, 

JOHN  M'KINLEY." 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Episco- 
pal Missionary  and  Education  Society,  held  February  16th, 
1828,  the  following  Resolution  was  proposed  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Boyd,  and  unanimously  adopted,  viz: 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  be  requested  to  acknow- 
ledge the  receipt  of  the  letter  read  by  him,  from  the  Rev.B. 
Allen,  and  to  assure  him  of  the  thanks  of  this  Board  for 
the  generous  offer  which  it  contains. 

From  the  minutes,  JOHN  M'KINLEY,  Sec. 

Philadelphia,  February  19th,  1828." 

A  new  Missionary  Society  was  organized  in  Philadelphia, 
January  4th,  1828,  denominated  the  "Church  Missionary 
Society  of  the  United  States.''  It  was  to  be  "  especially 
devoted  to  the  work  of  Foreign  Missions." 

My  brother's  heart  was  very  much  engaged  in  this  cause. 
In  one  of  his  public  notices  of  the  Society,  he  observes — 
"  One  person  has  pledged  two  hundred  members  to  the 
new  Church  Missionary  Society.  Eight  clergymen  are 
already  contributors.  One  thousand  dollars  is  pledged  by 
a  single  individual  for  a  year." 


368  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

He  also  gives  notice  that  "  each  member  of  the  Church 
Missionary  Society  is  entitled  to  a  copy  of  the  Christian 
Magazine,  on  paying  one  dollar  per  annum."  He  thus 
relinquished  one  half  the  price  of  the  Magazine  to  the 
members  of  the  Society. 

He  likewise  had  in  view  the  establishment  of  a  Chris- 
tian Seminary,  where  the  Bible  should  be  read  as  a  text 
Book,  rather  than  heathen  authors. 

Though  some  of  these  last  plans  of  my  brother's  were 
never  brought  to  peifection,  yet  they  display  his  entire  de- 
votion to  the  cause  of  his  Divine  Master,  even  while  his 
system  was  so  rapidly  sinking  under  the  severe  pressure  of 
excessive  labour.  Yes,  his  all  consuming  zeal  is  more  and 
more  prominent,  and  his  wide  expanding  soul  embraces,  as 
in  one  design,  those  mighty  plans  which  much  time  indeed 
would  have  required  properly  to  unfold. 

It  is  grateful  to  behold,  however,  the  last  ray  of  the  full 
orbed  desire  of  his  bosom,  casting  its  smiles  over  the  whole 
world  for  which  Christ  died.  And  that  desire  was  kindly 
noticed  by  Him  who  accepts  the  willing  mind.  Praise  the 
Lord,  oh  my  soul,  through  Christ  Jesus  ! 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


EUROPEAN  VOYAGE  ARRANGED AGENT  OP  SOCIETIES TES- 
TIMONIES OF  AFFECTION  AND  TO  HIS  USEFULNESS  FROM 
HIS  PEOPLE  AND  BIBLE  CLASS,  &C. MY  ARRIVAL  IN  PHI- 
LADELPHIA— HIS  DEPARTURE CAPE  LETTERS. 


In  anticipation  of  his  European  voyage,  my  brother  wrote  to 
the  "Wardens  and  Vestry  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  February 
5th,  1828." 

The  following  is  a  copy — 

"  Gentlemen  : — It  has  pleased  Divine  Providence  so  to 
affect  my  health,  that  it  has  become,  to  human  appearance 
at  least,  necessary  to  the  continuance  of  my  life,  that  I 
should  embark  on  a  sea  voyage.  I  say  a  sea  voyage,  be- 
cause not  only  does  medical  advice  point  me  to  this,  but 
all  circumstances  seem  to  combine  in  promising  the  greatest 
benefit  as  likely  to  be  the  result  of  that  means.  Imperious 
duty  requires  me  to  endeavour  to  preserve  my  life,  that  I 
may  assist  in  training  for  usefulness  my  six  children.  Still 
I  desire  to  have  the  approbation  of  Vestry.  The  Rev.  B. 
B.  Smith,  of  Middlebury,  Vt.,  I  have  reason  to  believe  can 
be  procured  to  officiate  during  my  necessary  absence.  May 
the  Spirit  of  glory  and  of  God  rest  upon  you. 

"  P.  S.  I  beg  leave  to  enclose  my  physician's  certificate. 
I  have  no  wish  to  set  out  on  a  voyage  earlier  than  spring." 

In  the  editorial  of  his  Christian  Magazine  of  February 
20th,  he  also  has  the  following  notice — 
12 


370  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"It  is  the  design  of  the  Editor;  in  his  contemplated 
visit  to  England,  to  attend  all  the  religious  anniversaries, 
and  procure,  by  all  means  in  his  power,  information  con- 
nected with  the  spread  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  There 
is  a  strong  impression  on  his  mind  that  his  country  is  to 
perform  a  great  part  of  that  work,  of  evangelizing  the 
world,  in  which  the  Divine  Head  of  the  Church  is  pleased 
to  employ  his  servants  ;  and  he  feels  himself  called  upon 
to  use  every  effort  in  his  power  to  diffuse  among  all  classes 
of  his  countrymen,  the  information  he  may  himself  be  per- 
mitted to  obtain.  Prevented  from  preaching,  he  is  not 
willing  to  be  idle ;  therefore  he  offers  his  services  to  the 
Christian  community,  as  the  procurer  of  religious  intelli- 
gence, with  a  view  to  its  universal  dissemination.  He  is 
desirous  of  taking  some  humble  station  in  the  camp :  of 
holding  some  humble  place  in  the  '  sacramental  host :'  he 
wishes  his  eye,  his  ear,  and  his  pen  to  be  engaged,  if  his 
accustomed  labour  with  his  voice  be  denied  him. 

"  During  the  time  expected  to  elapse  between  the  20th 
of  March,  (his  time  of  sailing,)  and  the  arrival  of  the  reli- 
gious information  he  is  going  (along  with  health)  to  seek 
after,  he  will  commit  the  mateiials,  arranged  and  prepared 
by  himself,  for  the  Magazine,  to  one  entirely  competent  to 
the  publication." 

My  brother  was  authorized  to  act  for  some  of  the  bene- 
volent societies  of  this  country.  The  following  is  from  the 
Colonization  Society — 

"  Philadeli'hia,  March  10th,  1828. 
"  The  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Pro- 
testant Episcopal  Church  in  this  city,  and  one  of  the  Vice- 
Presidents  of  the  Pennsylvania  Colonization  Society,  being 
about  to  make  a  voyage  to  England  for  the  benefit  of  his 
health,  has  been  requested  by  the  Managers  of  the  said 
Colonization  Society,  to  obtain  for  them  such  information 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  371 

as  may  tend  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  settlement  at 
Cape  Mont  Serrado,  and  to  collect  funds  in  aid  of  the 
Society,  if  he  shall  have  opportunity  and  shall  judge  it  pro- 
per so  to  do.  In  pursuance  of  a  Resolution  of  the  said 
Board  of  Managers,  this  letter,  attested  by  the  signatures  of 
the  President  and  Secretary  of  the  Society,  is  given,  to  cer- 
tify that  the  above  named  Reverend  Gentleman  is  author- 
ized to  act  in  the  premises,  on  behalf  of  the  Society  afore- 
said. THO'S.  C.  JAMES,  President. 
"  Attest :  Wm.  B.  Davidson,  Secretary." 

I  also  give  an  extract  of  the  communication  from  the 
Infant  School  Society — 

"Philadelphia,  March  17th,  1828. 
"  Rev.  Mr.  Allen — 

"  Respected  Sir  : — We  avail  ourselves  of  your  kind  offer 
of  assistance  to  our  Society,  although  we  fear  it  may  prove 
to  you  a  troublesome  commission.  Will  you,  after  consult- 
ing those  who  arc  engaged  and  interested  in  Infant  Schools 
in  London,  have  the  goodness  carefully  to  select  and  pur- 
chase for  our  Society  all  the  engravings  published  for  the 
use  of  those  Institutions;  particularly  the  improved  edition 

of  Scripture  Prints,  and  of  Ornithology  ?" "  You  will, 

Sir,  confer  an  additional  favour,  by  transmitting,  during 
your  residence  in  England,  any  information  you  may  think 
useful  on  our  subject.  Wishing  you  a  prosperous  voyage, 
and  safe  return  to  your  family  and  friends, 

"  We  remain,  very  respectfully,  yoin's,  &;c. 

MARTHA  G.  JANEWAY, 
Cor.  Sec'y  of  the  Infant  School  Society  of  Pa." 

The  following  is  from  the  Agent  of  the  American  Sun- 
day-School Union — 

"Philadelphia,  March  8th,  1828. 

"  Dear  Brother  Allen  : — Accompanying  this,  I  send  you 
six  copies  of  a  Circular  which  I  have  lately  prepared,  em- 


372  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

bodying  the  principal  facts  respecting  our  Sunday-school 
operations  in  the  United  States,  which  you  will  make  use 
of  according  to  your  own  discretion.  I  hope  you  will  be 
able  to  collect  much  valuable  information,  during  your 
visit  to  England,  upon  the  subject  of  Sunday-schools  ;  and 
it  will  afford  me  much  pleasure  to  hear  from  you  when 

there." "  I  pray  God,  that  you  may  have  a  prosperous 

voyage,  that  your  health  may  be  completely  re-established ; 
and  that  you  may  be  restored  in  safety  to  your  family  and 
your  congregation. 

"Sincerely,  GEO.  BOYD." 

The  General  Agent  of  the  American  Bible  Society,  thus 
closes  his  answer  to  my  brother's  inquiries — 

"  New-Yokk,  January  8th. 
"  I  regret  the  occasion  which  drives  you  to  Europe  ;  but 
have  no  doubt,  a  residence  in  London,  during  the  month  of 
May,  must  be  to  you  and  every  one  who  loves  the  Re- 
deemer's kingdom,  '  a  continual  feast.'  May  you  find  it 
so,  and  also  the  means  of  restoring  perfectly  your  health. 
"  Your's,  respectfully,  JOHN  NITCHIE." 

In  view  of  his  separation  from  the  people  of  his  charge, 
my  brother  received  a  number  of  grateful  testimonies  that 
he  had  not  laboured  in  vain.  In  a  number  of  his  Magazine 
he  placed  in  his  editorial  the  following — 

"PHILADELPHIA,  March  19th,  1828. 
•'  Among  the  various  circumstances  connected  with  his 
contemplated  departure,  none  is  more  interesting  to  the 
Editor  than  the  following  expressions  in  testimony  of  the 
great  importance,  and  the  infinite  value  of  those  simple 
exhibitions  of  truth  from  the  sacred  page  which  are  given 
in  Bible-classes.  Many  such  testimonials  have  been  given  : 
but  these  the  Editor  takes  the  liberty  of  publishing,  because 
he  wishes  to  impress  upon  his  brethren  in  the  ministry  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  373 

paramount  duty  of  promoting  Bible-r-lasses.  He  essays  the 
doing  of  this  with  the  greater  boklncss,  because  he  does 
not  know  that  his  own  voice  will  ever  be  permitted  again 
to  address  a  Bible-class. 

<  Respected  Sir  : — As  you  are  about  to  leave  us  for  a 
season,  I  feel  it  incumbent  upon  me  to  write  a  few  words 
to  you  before  we  part.  Were  I  to  judge  by  my  feelings  at 
times,  I  could  scarcely  indulge  a  hope,  that  T  should  be  an 
inhabitant  of  earth,  when  you  return  from  England  ;  to  me 
my  health  appears  to  be  daily  declining,  yet  God  may  be 
pleased  to  lengthen  out  my  days,  and  I  may  be  permitted 
once  more  to  behold  you,  and  to  hear  from  your  lips  the 
glad  tidings  of  the  Gospel ;  yet,  if  this  shall  not  be  the  case, 
I  believe  I  can  say  with  confidence,  that  you  have  been 
the  favoured  instrument,  in  the  hand  of  God,  of  leading 
me  from  the  paths  of  sin,  and  pointing  me  to  the  Saviour. 
Let  this  be  to  you  a  source  of  consolation,  that  at  least  one 
soul  has  been  saved  by  your  instrumentality  ;  but  I  trust  in 
the  last  day  it  will  be  found,  that  many  souls  have  been  led 
by  your  teaching  to  seek  an  interest  in  Jesus — and  should 
we  not  meet  again  on  earth,  I  pray  that  we  may  meet  in 
Heaven.  With  these  few  lines  Ibid  you  farewell,  wishing 
you  all  health  and  happiness,  having  Christ  for  your  portion 
and  God  for  your  friend.  May  you  be  safely  conducted 
across  the  ocean,  and  may  you  be  restored  to  your  friends 
renewed  in  body  and  in  spirit,  and  living  solely  to  God, 
may  you  find  that  peace  which  passeth  understanding,  is 
the  prayer  of  your  affectionate  friend.' 

'  As  this  is  probably  the  last  time,  we  shall  meet  you  at 
the  Bible-class,  for  some  months,  permit  me  thus  to  express, 
so  far  as  words  can  do,  my  gratitude  for  the  precious  truths 
you  have  taught  us.  Under  your  instruction,  as  an  instru- 
ment in  the  hand  of  God,  I  have  been  led  to  see  my  sinful- 
ness, and  to  feel  my  need  of  a  Saviour.     I  thank  you  for 


874  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

thoac  inatruotinns,  anrl  T  trust  thf  remembranr,R  of  the  many 
hours  wc  have  thua  spent  together,  giving  and  recei vino- 
instruction,  will  never  be  effaced,  but  will  be  a  theme  of 
rejoicing  throughout  eternity.  Blessed  be  God  that  he 
inclined  your  heart  to  commcnjcc  that  good  work !  Be  not 
weary  in  well-doing,  be  instant  in  season  and  out  of  sea- 
son, and  may  He  who  hath  hitherto  blessed  your  labours, 
make  you  the  instrument  of  leading  many  more  to  Jesus  ; 
may  he  protect  you  from  every  danger,  be  with  you  upon 
the  dangerous  deep,  and  wheresoever  you  may  go,  restore 
your  health,  and  bring  you  in  safety  home  ;  may  you  long 
live  to  labour  among  us  for  the  good  of  immortal  souls. 
O,  when  far  from  here,  remember  in  your  supplications  at 
a  throne  of  grace,  those  whom  you  have  been  in  the  habit 
of  meeting  at  the  class. 
'  March  14th,  1828.'  " 

I  also  add  another,  from  a  member  of  his  class — 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : — It  would  be  doing  violence  to  my 
feelings,  were  I  to  suffer  you  to  leave  your  native  shore 
without  expressing  a  sense  of  your  kindness  to  my  family 
and  myself.  As  a  member  of  the  Bible-class,  I  am  indebted 
to  you  for  much  pious  instruction  and  spiritual  comfort, 
which  I  trust  has  not  been  in  vain.  And  the  Christian 
kindness  and  disinterested  attention  with  which  you  soothed 
the  dying  bed  of  my  beloved  mother,  has  increased  the  debt 
of  gratitude  I  owe,  an  hundred  fold.  May  that  God  who 
alone  can  repay  these  labours  of  love,  be  with  you,  and 
guide  you  in  all  your  wanderings ;  may  his  goodness 
sweeten  every  soil,  make  every  country  please,  and  finally 
restore  you  to  your  family  and  flock  richly  laden  with 
fresh  proofs  of  his  tender  mercy,  is  the  prayer  of  your 
obliged  and  grateful  friend  and  servant,  M.  C.  S. 

"  Pray  for  us. 

"  Thursday  morning." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  875 

He  likewise  received  important  pecuniary  aid  from  dif- 
ferent sources,  accompanied  with  similar  expressions— 

"Philadelphia,  March  13th,  1828. 
"  Dear  Shepherd : — As  thy  time  is  not  long  with  us,  and 
1  have  not  the  boldness  to  come  face  to  face,  I  hope  thou 
wilt  excuse  me.  I  have  sat  under  thy  voice  a  long  time 
and  have  been  fed  with  that  manna  which  thy  Good  Mas- 
ter has  given  thee  to  feed  thy  flock.  I  have  travelled  the 
road  through  briars  and  thorns,  and  my  fleece  I  expect  is 
soiled  in  thy  sight ;  but  don't  yet  give  her  up,  but  call  on 
that  good  Shepherd,  to  wash  her  in  yon  fountain  and  make 
her  fit  to  feed  on  the  green  pasture  on  his  right  hand,  who 
never  hears  his  disciples  without  answering.  Be  pleased 
to  accept  this  fleece,  not  to  put  thee  in  remembrance  of  thy 
family  and  flock,  but  when  thou  art  offering  up  thy  evening 
petition,  remember  me.  I  am  sorry  for  thy  long  absence, 
but  I  am  pleased  with  the  one  thou  hast  left  in  thy  place. 
When  thou  embarkest  for  the  sea,  may  the  good  Captain 
who  commanded  the  waves  to  be  still  and  they  obeyed,  be 
thy  conductor,  and  may  the  Cherubim  attend  thy  hammock. 
If  thou  should  be  encompassed  around  with  clouds,  or 
benighted  in  the  wilderness,  may  thy  candle  burn  more 
brilliant  and  disperse  the  clouds  and  illuminate  the  wilder- 
ness, that  thou  may  go  in  peace  where  thou  would  wish  to 
be :  and  when  thou  returnest,  may  that  pillar  of  light  con- 
duct thee  to  thy  family  and  home.  May  thy  strength  be 
renewed  that  thou  mayest  feed  thy  flock  double  fold  and  be 
not  weary.     I  am  one  of  thy  sheep.     Fareivell." 

My  brother  also  received  the  following  receipt,  with  the 
accompanying  note — 

"Received,  Philadelphia,  March  i9th,  1828,  from  Ben- 
jamin Allen,  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  dollars,  thirty- 
three  cents,  for  his  passage  in  the  cabin  of  ship  Monte- 
zuma, to  Liverpool.  WM.  WEST,  Jr." 


376  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Accept,  our  dear  brother  and  Reverend  Pastor,  this  trifle 
as  a  little  memento  of  the  aflfection  of  a  few  of  your  sin- 
cere friends." 

Also  the  following  from  his  Bible-class — 

"  Solicitous  for  the  personal  comfort  of  our  best  earthly 
friend,  the  Bible-class  beg  leave  to  offer  to  their  respected 
Pastor,  the  enclosed  sum  as  a  small  tribute  of  affection,  and 
would  earnestly  ask  a  continued  interest  in  his  prayers,  that 
the  good  seed  you  have  been  instrumental  in  sowing,  may 
bring  forth  in  our  hearts  and  lives,  abundant  fruit  to  the 
glory  of  God.  And  may  the  promise  to  the  righteous  man, 
be  your's :  '  Whatsoever  he  doeth  shall  prosper.' 

"  That  the  everlasting  arms  may  be  round  about  you,  and 
restore  you  in  health  and  safety  to  your  home  and  us,  is  the 
sincere  prayer  of  your  BIBLE-CLASS. 

"March  18th,  1828." 

On  the  back  of  the  above  is  endoised,  in  my  brother's 
hand,  which  was  no  doubt  designed  as  direction  to  his 
wife —  "  Preserve  this.  B.  A. 

"Manchester,  England,  19th  April,  1828." 

I  have  before  me  an  unfinished  address,  in  my  brother's 
iiand,  which  he  no  doubt  designed  to  present  to  the  people 
of  his  charge  on  taking  leave  of  them.     He  observes — 

"Fourteen  years  ago,xwhile  resident  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  abandon  the  ministry,  be- 
cause of  the  state  of  my  health.  Providence  opened  before 
me,  however,  a  field  of  usefulness,  in  the  midst  of  which, 
by  very  violent  exertion,  and  almost  continual  riding,  I  was 
permitted  again  to  recover  health.  Seven  years  rolled 
round,  and  my  health  again  failed.  The  fevers  incident  to 
the  then  state  of  the  climate  attackedr«fie.  Eight  of  my 
Vestry  were  laid  low  by  it :  and,  beneath  its  withering 
effects  my  own  frame  seemed  rapidly  sinking  to  the  grave. 


REV.   BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  377 

Providence  then  directed  my  attention  to  this  city.  Here 
I  have  entered  upon  my  seventh  year  of  duty  :_  and,  though 
in  the  commencement  of  my  labours  among  a  beloved  peo- 
ple, I  enjoyed  returning  health,  it  has  pleased  the  merci- 
ful Disposer  once  more  to  incapacitate  me  for  preaching. 

"  One  new  resort  remains  to  me,  and  with  the  advice  ot 
my  physician  and  the  approbation  of  the  Vestry,  I  expect, 
in  the  ensuing  week,  attempting  a  sea  voyage.  In  such 
circumstances,  I  feel  called  upon,  out  of  the  abundance  of 
my  heart,  to  utter  a  few  words  of  pastoral  entreaty. 

"  I.  I  expect  my  absence  to  be  a  short  one.  It,  of  course, 
must,  to  afford  benefit,  embrace  the  summer  months.  As 
soon,  however,  as  warm  weather  shall  have  ceased,  J  except 
to  make  arrangements  to  return. 

"  II.  I  have  no  motive  causing  me  to  go  except  the  resto- 
ration of  health.  My  friend.  Bishop  Chase,  opposes  my 
going  with  all  his  power.  I  feel,  however,  that  my  duty  to 
those  children  and  that  partner  of  my  days,  is  stronger  than 
the  voice  of  my  respected  friend.  I  go,  I  repeat,  only  for 
my  health.  There  are  many  things,  which,  since  I  have 
resolved  to  go,  will  claim  attention.  I  am  requested  to 
appear  as  the  representative  of  several  religious  societies, 
at  the  meetings  of  their  kindred  societies  in  Great  Britian. 
Since  my  going  has  been  resolved  upon,  I  shall  not  refuse 
to  attend  to  these  requests.  Nor  do  I  refuse  to  promote,  to 
the  best  of  my  ability,  a  plan  of  religious  teaching.  Such 
plan,  very  near  as  it  is  to  my  heart,  I  feel  myself  espe- 
cially called  to  promote.  And  of  various  other  matters  it 
may  also  with  propriety  be  stated,  that  they  claim  some 
attention  :  but  of  all  it  may  be  said,  that  none  of  them  is 
the  cause  of  my  temporary  separation  from  my  people,  my 
family  and  native  land  ;  the  procuring  cause  of  that  absence 
is  simply  a  desire  for  restoration  to  health. 

"  III."         ******** 

The  manuscript  thus  abruptly  closes. 
Kk 


378  MEMOIK  OF  THE 

Though  the  above  is  in  this  very  unfinished  state,  merely 
displaying  the  design  he  had  in  view  ;  yet,  as  one  of  his  last 
acts  in  reference  to  his  people,  it  will  be  viewed  with  inte- 
rest. I  presume  he  changed  his  plan,  and  determined  to 
make  no  immediate  address  to  the  congregation  on  the  sub- 
ject of  his  separation.  For  in  attending  to  his  final  public 
services,  he  expressed  himself  to  me  as  unwilling  that  any 
thing  should  be  done  to  operate  on  their  feelings. 

As  expressive  of  his  entire  disinterestedness  and  his 
anxiety  to  remove  every  shadow  of  objection  which  might 
be  raised  relative  to  his  leaving  his  people,  he  actually 
relinquished  his  claim  on  the  Vestry  for  his  salary  during 
his  absence.  This  fact  also  unfolds,  even  to  the  last,  his 
peculiar  trust  and  entire  confidence  in  the  good  providence 
of  his  Heavenly  Father ;  which  was  prominent  in  all  his 
movements. 

With  gratitude,  I  would  further  remark,  that  the  Vestry, 
notwithstanding  his  relinquishment,  continued  to  pay  the 
full  amount  of  the  salary. 

The  duties  of  his  Church  and  entire  concern  he  left  to^ 
myself. 

On  Saturday,  March  15th,  1828,  with  my  family,  I  arrived 
in  Philadelphia.  On  the  next  day.  Sabbath,  my  brother 
preached  in  the  morning,  for  the  last  time,  to  his  people. 
In  the  afternoon,  I  delivered  a  sermon  on  the  passage, 
"  1  have  learned,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am,  therewith  to  be 
content.''''  My  brother  listened  with  attention,  and  after- 
wards expressed  his  grateful  feelings  to  me. 

The  time  of  his  departure  drew  near.  He  spent  much 
time  in  giving  me  direction  and  counsel,  relative  to  the 
responsible  duties  about  to  rest  upon  me. 

Considerable  feeling  was  called  forth  among  his  friends. 
His  Bible-class  as  a  body  visited  the  packet  which  was  to 
bear  him  across  the  mighty  ocean. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  379 

Thursday,  March  20th,  finally  arrived,  and  we  were 
called  to  take  our  long,  last  farewell  of  him.  Those  pecu- 
liarly attached,  as  he  separated  from  them,  gazed  after  him 
with  anxious  and  deep  solicitude — unwilling  to  forego  the 
melancholy  satisfaction  of  beholding  even  the  last  fold  of 
his  garment  as  he  passed  from  their  view  into  another 
street.  Many  of  his  friends  and  Vestry  attended  on  the 
wharf  and  on  board  the  steamboat,  to  take  their  leave  of 
him.  My  brother  displayed  his  usual  cheerfulness,  as  he 
went  from  friend  to  friend. 

We  finally  passed  down  the  river  Delaware.  I  accom- 
panied him  as  far  as  Newcastle,  where  the  packet  Monte- 
zuma was  in  waiting  for  him.  On  our  passage  down,  we 
were  still  occupied  in  imparting  and  receiving  direction 
and  counsel. 

Upon  our  arrival  at  Newcastle,  the  boat  of  the  Monte- 
zuma received  my  brother,  his  fellow-passenger,  and  the 
Captain.  I  took  my  final  leave  of  him,  and  gazed  upon  the 
movements  of  the  boat  as  it  conveyed  them  to  the  packet. 
I  saw  him  at  last  ascending  the  side  of  the  ship.  She  imme- 
diately got  under  way,  and  slowly  moved  down  the  wide 
expanding  water.  After  the  crowd  dispersed,  I  continued 
my  anxious  gaze  upon  the  object  which  was  so  evidently 
bearing  away  from  me  my  much  beloved  and  only  brother. 
I  went  on  board  a  vessel  lying  at  the  wharf,  and  took  my 
seat  on  the  deck,  still  directing  my  eye  to  the  packet, 
which  soon  gradually  diminished  before  me.  And  my 
heart  constrained  me  to  linger  and  linger  around  the  wharf 
until  the  ship  was  almost,  if  not  quite,  lost  from  my  view. 
Oh,  did  not  many  a  prayer  ascend  in  his  behalf  from  the 
bosoms  of  the  pious !  And  were  not  those  prayers  gra- 
ciously answered  ?  though  in  a  manner  difi^erent  from  their 
expectation ;  yet  were  they  not  fully  answered,  in  the 
object  of  their  solicitude  being  received  into  the  Haven  of 
Eternal  Repose  !  ! ! 


380  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kennedy,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
observed  to  my  brother  when  taking  leave  of  him,  "  Per- 
haps  when  the  sea  gives  up  the  dead  you  may  be  found  among 
the  number.''''  Benjamin  answered,  "  Well,  that  will  be  as 
short  a  passage  to  Heaven  as  any.'''' 

Heart-cheering  declaration  !  Blessed  assurance  !  Praise 
the  Lord,  oh  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  praise  his 
holy  name,  for  the  animating  hope  ! 

The  evening  of  separation  from  my  brother,  I  continued  in 
Newcastle,  and  preached  from  the  text,  "  Eye  hath  not  seen, 
nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the 
things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him.'''' 
1  Cor.  ii.  9. 

On  Friday,  I  returned  to  Philadelphia,  and  entered  upon 
the  numerous  and  important  duties  which  now  devolved 
upon  me,  as  walking  in  the  steps  of  my  brother.  The 
Lord  strengthened  me,  a  poor  frail  worm  of  the  dust,  and 
condescended  to  meet  with,  and  bless  my  imperfect  labours 
in  his  service.     And  to  him  be  all  the  praise.     Amen. 

In  the  editorial  of  the  last  number  of  the  Magazine 
which  my  brother  prepared,  we  have  the  following — 

"  The  communication  of  the  Editor,  now  on  his  way  to 
England,  containing  the  most  recent  religious  intelligence 
concerning  the  doings  of  the  disciples  of  the  Lord  in 
Europe,  will  be  inserted  immediately  after  they  have  been 
received.  These,  though  they  will,  in  part,  be  addressed 
to  the  members  of  his  congregation,  are  expected  to  be  of 
general  interest." 

From  this  period  of  his  history,  when  we  have  but  a  few 
months  before  us,  ere  he  is  called  to  enter  upon  the  reali- 
ties of  eternity,  every  circumstance  in  connexion  with  my 
brother,  increases  in  interest.  I  trust,  I  shall  therefore  be 
excused,  if  I  present  large  extracts  and  circumstances  more 
in  detail. 


KEY.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  381 

He  wrote  two  Cape  letters,  and  forwarded  them  by  the 
Pilot;  one  addressed  to  his  wife  and  the  other  to  myself — 

"  Montezuma,  Delaware  Bay,  i 

Friday,  21st  March,  1828.  ^ 

"  Dear  Harriot : — Last  night  I  found  the  flannel-gown 
very  comfortable — am  thankful  you  provided  it.  I  am  in 
possession  of  the  large  state-room,  next  the  ladies'  cabin, 
having  four  births  in  it,  but  all  to  myself — plenty  of 
blankets  and  every  comfort.  The  passengers  are  eighteen 
or  nineteen  in  steerage.  One  cabin  passenger,  son  of  pro- 
fessor Barton,  a  young  gentleman  accustomed  to  travelling. 
The  Captain  an  agreeable  man.  We  three  sit  down — grace 
is  said  at  table.  Three  Bibles  are  furnished  to  the  fore- 
castle— one  put  in  the  steerage,  from  Philadelphia  Bible 
Society.     Plenty  of  books  of  various  kinds  on  board. 

A  goat  gives  us  milk,  and  there  are  fowls  in  abundance. 
We  have  a  fair  wind,  and  are  sailing  rapidly  down  the  bay. 
Twenty  miles  below  Reedy  Island,  at  this  time  a  few 
minutes  past  eleven.  Every  prospect  that  to-night  we 
shall  get  to  sea.  Therefore,  while  there  is  not  any  motion 
in  the  ship,  'tis  best  for  me  to  write.  A  good  supper  last 
night ;  good  breakfast  this  morning.  These  things,  though 
small  matters,  are  proofs  that  all  is  comfortable. 

Return  thanks  to  the  Bible-class,  Mrs.  S.  and  all  friends. 
Mrs.  Dixey's  husband  has  just  arrived.  I  saw  his  ship, 
the  Algonquin,  yesterday.  'Tis  possible  that  my  passage 
home  in  the  fall  may  be  with  him.  Thus  you  see  every 
thing  is  much  more  pleasant  than  we  all  expected.  So, 
doubtless,  will  it  be  the  whole  journey  through.  He  who 
holds  creation  in  his  arm,  and  the  stars  in  his  right  hand, 
just  as  surely  keeps  those  that  trust  in  him,  at  sea  as  on 
shoie.  He  will  preserve  me  as  the  apple  of  his  eye.  He 
has  been  my  friend  in  a  thousand  dangers.  He  will  guide 
me  by  his  counsel,  and  receive  me  unto  glory.  Kiss  the 
k2 


382  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

dear  children  for  me.     My  love  to  Margaret  and  her  chil- 
dren :  to  Thomas  also — to  yourself  not  the  least  portion. 
"  Your  truly  affectionate  B.  ALLEN. 

"  Love  to  every  body." 

The  following  was  to  myself — 

"  Almost  out  at  Sea,  } 
21st  March,  1828,  afternoon.      ^ 

"  Dear  Thomas : — The  prayers  of  the  congregation 
please  offer  for  my  safe  passage.  We  are  going  on  with  a 
charming  wind:  nearly  all  sail  set — fair  prospect.  The 
Lord  is  kind,  and  his  people's  prayers,  if  continued  to  be 
offered,  shall  never  be  in  vain.  Let  all  continue  thus  to 
pray  for  an  unworthy  friend. 

"  Love  to  Margaret.     Tell  her  I  hope  the  Lord  may  be 

with  her.     Love  also  to and  all — say  to  them  they 

must  take  good  care  of  Sunday-schools — and  do  you  take 
good  care  of  the  people,  especially  the  Bible-class.  Love 
to  dear  father  when  you  write — say.  We,  I  hope,  may 
finally  meet  where  happiness  eternal  may  be  our^s. 

"Offer  prayers  for  a  person  going  to  sea  in  Bible-class 
also.  As  ever,  yout's,  BENJAMIN." 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


JOURNAL    OF    PROCEEDINGS,    FROM     HIS     LEAVING     AMERICA 
TILL    HIS    ARRIVAL    IN    LONDON. 


It  is,  indeed,  matter  of  grateful  joy  to  me,  that  I  am 
enabled  to  present  so  valuable  and  interesting  a  document 
as  my  brother's  Journal  of  his  proceedings,  from  the  time  of 
his  leaving  his  native  country  until  a  short  time  previous  to 
the  prostration  of  his  system.  It  was  arranged  by  him  with 
reference  to  our  Magazine,  in  which  the  chief  of  it  was 
published. 

"  For  the  Christian  Magazine. — A  Diary  at  Sea. 

"  March  21st,  1828,  Friday  afternoon,  4  o'clock.— Left 
the  Capes  of  the  Delaware — with  a  fair  wind,  and  beautiful 
weather :  a  fine  smooth  sea  before  us.  As  in  the  morning 
of  life,  man  enters  upon  the  ocean  with  all  things  flattering 
and  fair.  In  this  instance,  however,  a  sense  of  the  power, 
mercy,  and  goodness  of  that  God,  who  will  '  never  leave,' 
was  more  cheering  than  any  of  the  smiling  aspects  of  crea- 
tion. The  motion  of  the  vessel  occasioned  sea-sickness  : 
which  continued,  Friday  night,  throughout  Saturday,  and 
until  the  morning  of  the  day  of  the  Lord. 

"  It  was  no  small  cause  of  thankfulness  to  find  myself  on 
that  morning,  renewed  in  strength.  The  passengers  in  the 
steerage  were  eighteen  or  nineteen  in  number :  the 
sailors  more  numerous  still.  Almost  fifty  souls  were  in 
the  ship  ;  and  for  so  many  to  permit  the  hallowed  hours  to 


384  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

pass  unoccupied  by  public  worship,  was  painful  to  reflect 
upon.  My  desire  to  be  enabled  to  address  them,  or  at  least 
to  unite  with  them  in  prayer  and  praise,  was  gratified. 
Captain  West  very  cheerfully  prepared  for  their  assem- 
blage;  and  at  half-past  ten,  the  hour  when  our  Christian 
friends  were  lifting  up  their  voices  at  home,  we  were 
bowed  upon  the  deck  of  the  ship,  praying,  in  the  language 
of  the  expressive  Liturgy  to  that  Almighty  One,  who  is 
alike  the  God  of  the  waters  as  of  the  land.  In  the  com- 
pany no  one  was  found  to  join,  as  is  desirable,  in  the  ser- 
vices, so  that,  so  far  as  voice  was  engaged,  I  had  to  act 
alone.  In  the  Scriptures,  the  107th  Psalm,  presented 
itself  as  peculiarly  applicable,  and  from  that  I  gave  an 
exhortation. 

"In  the  afternoon,  my  state  of  health  forbade  a  repeti- 
tion of  public  worship.  Having  distributed,  however,  a 
few  of  the  Bibles  of  the  Philadelphia  Bible  Society,  and 
several  Common  Prayer  and  other  books,  from  the  Church 
Missionary  House,  I  was  gratified  with  the  thought  that, 
at  least  some  were  well  occupied  in  reading. 

"  Sea-sickness  came  on  the  evening  of  the  Sabbath  :  and, 
with  little  intermission,  continued  during  Monday,  24th, 
and  Tuesday,  :^5th. 

"  During  the  comparative  solitude  (in  my  state-room)  of 
this  period  of  sickness,  the  comforts  of  the  Lord  refreshed 
my  soul.  The  attention  of  those  on  board  was  great.  Every 
thing  was  provided  that  could  relieve.  But  time  is  the 
best  remedy.  Discharges  of  acrid  bile,  most  abundant, 
intimated  that  the  sickness  would  be  to  me  a  benefit. 
Indeed  it  seems  as  if  that  Providence  which  permits  such 
severe  attacks  upon  the  human  frame  permits  them  in  love. 
Like  some  of  the  diseases  incident  to  childhood,  they  are 
undoubtedly  designed  to  effect  salutary  changes  in  the 
constitution ;  and  thus  lay  a  foundation  for  future  health. 

"On   Tuesday  evening,   March  £5thj  I  found  myself 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  385 

among  a  few  sailors  on  the  forecastle.  Tliey  being  unem- 
ployed, my  strength  having  in  some  measure  returned,  I 
talked  to  their  increasing  numbers,  as  to  a  congregation. 
One  of  them  was,  two  or  three  years  since,  wrecked,  and 
on  a  spar  at  sea,  for  the  space  of  seven  days.  The  event 
had  made  a  strong  impression  on  his  mind,  and,  with  other 
circumstances,  afforded  theme  for  much  exhortation.  My 
little  audience  listened  attentively,  and  concluding  with  a 
short  prayer,  I  bade  them  good  night.  'Tis  pleasant  thus 
to  labour !  Wednesday  evening;  March  26th.  found  me 
in  the  same  place  on  the  forecastle  :  my  congregation 
increased  in  size.  In  the  strain  of  my  remarks,  I  made  the 
parable  of  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus  my  theme.  All 
listened  with  more  apparent  eagerness  than  when  on  shore, 
and  united  in  prayer  with  much  solemnity. 

"  The  state  of  my  system  recovering  slowly  from  sea- 
sickness, caused  the  days  to  pass  unmarked  by  any  striking 
degree  of  usefulness  or  effort.  It  afforded  me  much  plea- 
sure to  remark,  that  scarce  a  profane  word  was  to  be  heard 
from  any  one  of  the  crew.  In  the  steerage,  the  pas- 
sengers assembled,  were  orderly,  attentive  to  religious  con- 
verse, and  generally  well  disposed.     Indeed,  apart  of  them 

highly  reepectable. 

"  Thursday,  March  27th.  Enabled  to  commence  partak- 
ing of  my  meals  with  those  in  the  cabin.  Only  a  sin- 
gle passenger,  a  youthful  traveller  to  France,  an  American, 

was  there  beside  myself.  This  afternoon  sprang  up  a 
favourable  wind.  The  evening  fine  and  warm.  The  moon 
shone  sweetly  above  us.  Orion,  and  two  or  three  more 
strikingly  beautiful  constellations,  invited  our  gaze.  My 
renovated  strength  made  all  more  delightful.  An  hour  of 
the  evening  had  scarce  passed  away,  when  a  few  of  the 
passengers  from  the  steerage  began  to  sing  the  Portuguese 
Hymn.  This,  followed  by  several  other  hymns,  drew  my 
attention.     In  an  hour  more,  almost  all  on  board  the  ship 


386  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

were  gathered  around ;  a  lecture  on  the  parable  of  the  mar- 
riage feast  was  given ;  and,  bowed  on  the  deck,  beneath 
the  smiling  heavens,  we  closed  the  evening  with  prayer. 
God  is  every  where  present.  It  is  our  own  fault  if  we  taste 
not  his  love. 

"  Friday,  March  28th.  Morning  presented  us  with  a  con- 
tinuance of  fair  wind:  which  freshened  during  the  day. 
There  is  a  grandeur  in  the  ocean  :  though,  for  a  great  part 
of  the  day,  it  seemed  smooth  as  a  river.  We  glided  on  our 
course  encouraged.  O !  may  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  con- 
vert a  part,  at  least,  of  those  on  board  this  ship  !  Several  of 
the  sailors  have  spoken  of  Father  Eastburn.  That  good 
man  had,  indeed,  been  a  blessing.  The  Lord  increase  the 
labourers  in  every  portion  of  his  blessed  Vineyard. 

"  Friday  evening,  the  wind  continued  strong  in  our 
favour.  Met  my  little  congregation  on  the  foiecastle  :  con- 
versed with  them  a  few  moments ;  lectured  a  very  short 
time  on  the  three  children  in  the  furnace  ;  taking  occasion 
to  exhort  some,  who  were  in  the  morning  of  their  days,  to 
perseverance  in  the  service  of  God ;  then,  having  prayed 
with  them,  retired  to  rest.  The  wind,  which  was  fair, 
freshened  during  the  night.  On  Satuiday,  March  29th,  it 
blew  very  strong;  we  were  driven  on  in  our  ronrsp  hy  it. 
But  such  was  the  extreme  motion  of  the  vessel,  my  indis- 
pusitiuii  leiurned,  contiuuiiig,  in  some  degree,  until  Sun- 
day, 30th.  Again,  T  founH  mysfilf  so  far  freed  from  sea- 
sickness, as  to  be  able  to  celebrate  public  worship.  Of  his 
own  accord,  Capt.  W.  had  every  arrangement  made ;  and 
at  ten,  the  large  bell  of  the  ship  rung  for  service.  Once 
more,  bowed  upon  the  deck,  we  offered  up  our  prayers  to 
the  God  of  the  waters,  and  of  the  land.  Among  these  ex- 
cellencies of  the  Liturgy,  most  conspicuous,  is  the  adap- 
tation of  its  prayers,  especially  the  Litany — and  the  mass 
of  instruction  afforded  by  the  lessons.  The  subject  of  lec- 
ture (for  a  long  sermon,  was  beyond  my  strength,)  was  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  387 

epistle  :  that  portion  of  it,  more  especially,  which  sets  forth 
the  Divine  character  of  our  condescending  Lord.  Order 
and  decorum,  and,  indeed,  marked  attention,  reigned  among 
the  auditors. 

"  An  incident  occurerd,  deserving  of  some  note.  A 
young,  uninformed  man,  who  was  among  the  steerage  pas- 
sengers, avowed  to  some  on  board,  that  he  was  a  Deist.  As 
such,  he  expressed  an  unwillingness  to  attend  public  wor- 
ship. To  get  out  of  the  way  of  my  voice,  he  went  and  sat 
with  a  book  in  his  hand,  behind  a  small  room  built  on  deck, 
and  occupied  by  the  mate.  His  position,  at  the  extreme  of 
the  quarter  deck,  directly  under  the  taffel  rail,  seemed  most 
of  all  defended  from  the  sea;  which  occasionally  broke 
over  the  sides  of  the  ship,  and  wet  the  passengers.  While 
we  were  engaged  in  worship,  there  appeared  great  danger 
of  our  being  wet,  for  the  motion  of  the  ship  was  great,  and 
the  waves  frequently  broke  over  forward.  Providentially, 
however,  a  solitary  wave  came  over  where  the  young  man 
was,  wetting  him  thoroughly,  while  not  a  spray  touched  one 
of  us  ;  and  in  no  other  instance  had  a  wave  come  over  that 
part  of  the  ship,  where  he  then  sat,  before.  He  acknow- 
ledged that  he  had  better  have  been  with  us,  at  church. 

"  In  the  afternoon,  the  bell  rang  again  at  four.  Scarce 
a  man  on  board  absented  himself.  Lectured  on  17th,  1st 
Samuel. 

"Wind  still  fair,  Monday,  March  31st.— Ran  from  12 
o'clock,  yesterday,  to  4  this  morning,  a  period  of  16  hours, 
160  miles. 

"  This  morning  found  myself  so  much  relieved  from  sea- 
sickness, and  the  motion  of  the  vessel  such,  I  was  able  to 
begin  something  like  a  course  of  reading.  Commenced 
Romaine's  Walk  of  Faith.  Read  230  pages.  In  the  after- 
noon, looked  over  religious  newspapers;  in  the  evening, 
certain  numbers  of  the  Repertory. 

Tuesday,  April  1st. — Fair  wind  still,  and  the  vessel  mov- 


388  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

ing  on  pleasantly.  Read  the  remainder  of  Romaine's  ex- 
cellent work.  While  reading  his  account  of  the  cross 
heing  necessary,  felt  that  I  had  not  borne  with  sufficient 
thankfulness  the  trials  of  last  winter,  when  earnestly  con- 
tending for  the  truth.  May  the  Lord  make  me  moie 
thankful  under  future  tribulation,  and  bring  me,  and  all,  for 
whom  I  should  pray,  to  his  everlasting  kingdom. 

"Wednesday,  April  2. — Read  Durant's  Memoirs.  Oh 
that  the  Spirit  of  the  living  God  may  rest  upon  my  sons — 
on  all  my  children.  May  they  be  born  again,  and  made 
heirs  of  eternal  salvation  through  faith  in  Christ  Jesus. 
May  the  Holy  Spirit  renew  them  in  mind ;  may  they  be 
guided  by  divine  counsel  through  this  world  to  everlasting 
glory. 

"  Cheered  amid  the  rough  circumstances  of  the  sea  by 
reading  the  life  of  Mrs.  Newell.  How  did  she  find  Jesus 
every  where  ?  And  Jesus  is  every  where.  Where  He  is, 
there  is  joy.  My  soul  rejoices  in  him.  Certain  lines  of 
my  friend,  Mrs.  Sigourney,  fell  this  day  before  my  eyes,  and 
conveying  Christian  encouragement,  were  comforting. 

"  The  weather  boisterous,  wind  fair,  vessel  rolling  much. 
Saw  in  the  course  of  the  day  a  whale  sporting  amid  the 
billows  ;  also  a  shark,  various  small  birds,  called  '  Mother 
Carey's  chickens.'  Sick  this  evening,  from  the  roughness 
of  the  weather.     Wind  still  fair. 

"Thursday,  April  3. — This  day  quite  indisposed  again, 
but  this  repeated  sea-sickness  will  no  doubt  be  the  means 
of  improving  my  general  health.  Able  to  keep  on  deck 
all  day,  and  as  usual  during  considerable  part  of  the  time, 
ate  my  meals  there.  Ship  ran  235^  miles  in  24  hours, 
ending  12  o'clock  this  day. 

"  Good  Friday,  April  4. — Assembled  the  passengers  back 
of  the  companion  way,  on  the  quarter  deck ;  prayed  with 
them,  read  the  19th  St.  John's  Gospel,  (the  Gospel  for  the 
day)  giving  an  account  of  our  blessed  Saviour's  sufferings. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  389 

Gave  a  short  exhortation.  Oft  did  the  worshippers  of  an- 
cient times  assemble  under  far  more  unfavourable  auspices. 
In  the  afternoon  assembled  again.  Exhortation  on  the 
Epistle  for  the  day. — Ship  ran  2342  miles  in  24  hours, 
ending  12  o'clock  this  day.  My  good  kind  people  have 
furnished  me  with  more  comforts  than  my  own  wants  re- 
quire :  their  benevolence  enables  me  however  to  impart 
from  my  stores  to  the  sick  among  the  steerage  passengers. 
The  books  from  the  Church  Missionary  House,  furnished  a 
religious  addition  to  the  ship's  library.  May  future  pas- 
sengers find  good  to  their  own  souls  through  those  books! 
Amen. 

"Saturday,  April  5. — Yesterday,  wind  became  more  un- 
favourable, after  driving  us  on  our  course  for  a  week.  The 
Lord  is  merciful.  Find  much  and  frequent  comfort  in 
lying  in  my  birth,  praying  for  my  wife  and  children,  my 
brother  and  his  family,  my  father,  congregation,  and  all 
mankind.  'Tis  delightful  to  think  of  the  time  when  the 
knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  earth  as  the  waters 
the  face  of  the  deep.     What  an  expressive  figure. 

"  Easter-Sunday,  6th  April. — After  a  night  of  indisposi- 
tion, arose  weak:  but  refreshed  in  time  to  assemble  all 
hands  and  address  them  from  Gen.  iii.  15,  on  the  great 
victory  achieved  by  Immanuel.  Distributed,  after  service, 
the  tracts  brought  from  Church  Missionary  House.  In  the 
afternoon  at  4,  lectured  from  3  John,  first  five  verses : 
read  an  illustrative  of  the  new  birth.  Rev,  Joseph  East- 
burn's  narrative  of  the  religious  exercises  of  his  heart.  No 
one  to  respond  in  any  of  the  services.  Probably  delivered 
my  last  Sunday  lecture,  as  next  Sunday  we  may  be  in,  or  at 
Iteast,  very  near  Liverpool.  The  Lord  accompany  what  has 
been  said  with  his  blessing.  The  Lord  be  praised  for  all 
his  mercies,  temporal  and  spiritual. 

"  On  addressing  the  congregation  on  board,  in  the  after- 
noon of  Easter-Sunday,  it  was  much  impressed  upon  my 
l1 


390  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

mind,  that  the  next  Lord's  day  would  land  us  in  Liverpool. 
Accordingly,  1  gave  them  a  word  of  exhortation  as  for  the 
last  time.  They  had  very  little  hope  of  my  expectation 
proving  well  founded.  The  wind,  however,  became  fair  in 
the  evening,  and  continued  fair  during  seven  days,  in  which 
time,  we  travelled  at  the  rate  of  200  miles  per  day.  I  was 
surprised  to  find  myself  enabled  to  repose  my  head  upon 
my  pillow  at  night,  on  board  ship,  with  so  much  composure. 
The  man  accustomed  to  the  sea,  thinks  nothing  of  this. 
My  mind,  however,  is  convinced  that,  unused  as  I  was,  to 
the  peculiar  dangers  of  a  sea-faring  life,  this  composure 
was  no  other  than  the  gift  of  my  dear  Saviour.  He  caused 
me  to  lie  down  at  night,  with  the  feelings  that  His  will  was 
best :  that  He  had  a  right  to  do  with  me  as  he  chose  ;  that 
my  body  was  His,  and  it  was  for  Him  to  dispose  of  it.  If 
he  chose  to  give  it  as  food  to  the  fishes — well.  If  he  chose 
to  continue  it,  and  make  it  instrumental,  standing  before 
Bible  Societies,  and  in  other  ways,  in  advocating  his  glory — 
well.     His  will  is  my  delight. 

"  I  passed  up  the  Irish  Sea,  interested  with  the  change ; 
grateful  for  the  smoother  water  ;  strengthened  in  body,  and 
gratified  in  finding  the  shores  of  Europe  at  hand.  Birds 
were  now  numerous  ;  especially  the  beautiful  gull.  Ducks 
swam  around  us.  One  steam-boat  was  plainly  seen  in  the 
distance.  Ships  and  other  vessels  abounded.  The  days  of 
the  last  week  thus  rolled  rapidly  around. — At  length, 

"On  the  morning  of  the  Lord's  blessed  day,  April  13th, 
saw,  for  the  first  time,  land.  A  mist  had  hitherto  inter- 
cepted its  view.  Here,  however,  the  island  of  Anglesea, 
and  the  mountains  of  Wales,  lay  before  us.  Anglesea,  the 
ancient  Morea,  was,  as  is  well  known,  a  last  resort  of  the 
Druids,  when,  driven  from  Gaul,  &c.,  they  needed  a  refuge. 
There,  thought  I,  as  I  gazed,  there,  on  those  hills,  they 
celebrated  their  horrible  rites.  There  grew  the  woods, 
whose  boughs  they  stained  with  the  gore  of  human  victims. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  391 

How  glorious  the  change  !  Now  the  sound  of  the  Church- 
going  bell  is  heard  there  ;  the  silver  accents  of  the  Gospel 
of  Jesus  are  preached  there.  Such  be  the  change  throughout 
the  wide  world. 

"  A  government  steam-boat  came  to  us  at  12  on  Sunday. 
The  letters  being  taken  to  town  in  her,  I  went,  accompa- 
nied by  Captain  W.,  to  Liverpool.  Very  numerous  were 
the  vessels  coming  out  of  port,  as  we  approached.  Happy 
will  be  the  day,  when  no  vessels  shall  leave  ;  however,  from 
the  nature  of  the  case,  they  must  be  expected  to  arrive,  on 
the  Sabbath.  Landed  at  quarter  past  three,  in  Liverpool. 
Went  into  a  Church  upon  the  dock  immediately.  Service 
had  commenced,  but  a  part  of  it  only  was  a  treat.  The 
minister  had  begun  the  second  lesson.  In  the  midst  of 
assembled  worshippers,  bowed  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  ;  it 
was  delightful  to  mingle  once  more  the  voice  of  prayer  and 
praise.  The  congregation  was  small — an  afternoon  congre- 
gation. Alas!  when  shall  people,  generally,  think  twice  or 
thrice  a  day,  not  too  frequent  to  worship  God  ?  The  con- 
gregation appeared  attentive.  Children  in  considerable 
numbers  attended — Sunday  scholars.  A  beadle,  wearing  a 
gown,  opened  the  door  for  me.  A  gown,  of  coarse  kind, 
was  worn  by  the  clerk  also.  His  loud  Amen  resounded 
over  the  Church.  But,  as  too  usually  is  the  case,  where 
clerks  are  employed,  no  response  was  heard  from  the  peo- 
ple. The  architecture  of  the  Church,  gothic.  Splendid 
paintings  shone  on  the  large  window  over  the  chancel.  A 
sound,  faithful.  Gospel  sermon,  showing  the  entire  help- 
lessness of  man,  and  that  salvation  is  by  grace  alone,  was 
preached.  At  the  close  of  the  sermon,  the  organ  instantly 
struck  up,  and  the  people,  as  with  one  consent,  joined  in 
the  beautiful  evening  hymn  of  Bishop  Keun.  The  appro- 
priateness of  this,  struck  me  forcibly.  I  was  surprised  at 
the  departure  from  the,  at  least  with  us,  rubrical  order  of 
baptizing  immediately  after  the  second  lesson.     A  large 


392  MEMOIII  OF  THE 

number  of  children  were  brought  into  an  adjoining  small 
room,  at  the  end  of  the  Church,  opposite  the  pulpit,  and 
there  baptized,  after  the  congregation  had  been  dismissed. 
This  is  not  right. 

"I  thanked  the  preacher  in  my  heart,  and,  had  opportu- 
nity offered,  would  have  thanked  him  with  my  lips,  for  his 
good  discourse.  The  minister  who  read  prayers  baptized ; 
not  the  one  who  preached. 

"In  the  evening  attended  Dr.  Raffles'  chapel.  Dr.  R., 
an  eminent  dissenting  minister,  preaches  very  eloquently, 
and  with  the  spirit  of  true  piety.  It  was  a  funeral  Sermon, 
on  the  death  of  a  young  lady,  who  departed  in  the  triumphs 
of  faith.  Dr.  R.  received  me,  after  sermon,  with  very 
great  cordiality,  as  a  Christian  brother.  He  acted  towards 
me  with  affection,  and  the  utmost  kindness.  T  saw  no  more 
of  the  Dr.  after  that  evening,  he  being  under  engagement 
to  leave  Liverpool  the  next  morning.  He  was  much  inter- 
ested in  Gospel  operations,  in  which  he  unites  with  the 
Church  of  England,  and  all  of  every  name,  disposed  to 
obey  the  Saviour's  command,  '  Go  ye,'  &c.,  in  the  spirit  of 
that  command.     Retired  to  rest,  with  a  thankful  heart. 

"Monday,  14t.h  April,  passed  my  baggage  through  the 
V.  ^om-house — no  difficulty — very  politely  treated.  An 
Anti-Slavery  meeting,  for  the  purpose  of  petitioning  par- 
liament, on  the  subject  of  West  India  slavery,  was  held  in 
the  evening. 

"  At  the  meeting,  Messrs.  Adam  Hodgson,  James  Cropper, 
Mr.  E.  Roscoe,  (son  of  the  well  known  Mr.  R.)  Mr.  S. 
Hope,  and  several  others,  spake.  Two  or  three  thousand 
attended.  Two  ministers  of  the  Church  of  England  spoke; 
a  Baptist  minister  ;  Presbyterian — indeed  all  denominations 
were  united.  Introduced  into  the  Committee-room,  pre- 
vious to  the  meeting:  I  was  made  acquainted  with  the 
speakers  generally,  and  it  was  desired  that  I  should  speak 
by  some ;  it  however  was  best  for  the  Liverpool  men  to 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  393 

discuss  the  subject.  The  business  of  the  meeting  was 
conducted  with  the  utmost  harmony.  A  few  years  ago,  and 
such  a  meeting  in  Liverpool  would  have  been  impossible. 
Now,  one  heart  and  soul  seem  to  animate  all.  'J'he  proposal 
is  to  petition  government  for  the  amelioration  of  the  state 
of  the  slaves,  and  gradual  emancipation  :  paying  the  West 
India  proprietors  for  them.  Many  striking  facts  and  strong 
arguments  were  given  with  great  efTect  in  the  course  of  the 
evening.  Frequent  cheering,  and  cries  of  '  hccir,  hear.' 
Meeting  continued  till  10  o'clock. 

"  April  15,  Tuesday. — Taken,  nine  A.  M.,  to  the  meet- 
ing of  the  Committee  of  the  Bible  Society  of  Liverpool. 
Gave,  by  request,  some  statements  concerning  our  opera- 
tions in  America,  which  were  received  with  great  interest : 
one  spirit,  end,  and  aim,  we  all  have.  Strong  expressions 
of  a  desire  to  cherish  correspondence  with  Bible  Societies 
in  America,  were  made.  The  committee  requested  my 
attendance  at  a  public  meeting  here,  22d  May,  also  my 
attendance  at  a  meeting  this  evening  at  Prescott,  eight 
miles  from  here,  and  two  other  meetings  to  be  held  to- 
morrow and  next  day.  The  last  requests  I  purpose  com- 
plying with.  Mr.  S.  Hope  is  extremely  attentive,  kind, 
and  courteous.  The  Lord's  name  be  praised  for  every 
mercy.     I  love  to  mark  his  hand." 

In  his  letter  to  his  wife,  relative  to  the  above  meetings, 

he  observes — 

"  April  15th. 

"  Dear  Harriot : — The  good  hand  of  the  Lord  thus  at 
once  has  introduced  me  to  the  very  Bible  men  I  wished  to 
have  intercourse  with.    Mr.  Hope,  of  Liverpool,  one  of  the 

best  of  men,  treats  me  with  Christian  attention." "  Of 

all  matters,  will  inform  you  in  my  Diary  or  Journal,  which 
I  purpose  continuing. 

"  The  Lord  is  gracious.     His  mercies  are  ever  new. 

"  I  am  not  going  to  hurt  myself  by  much  speaking.  Onlf 
12 


394  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

short  statements  will  be  made  by  me.  The  attending  such 
meetings  will  strengthen  and  comfort  me.  They,  too,  make 
me  one  with  every  good  man  in  the  kingdom.  Love  to 
every  body.     Kiss  my  dear  children. 

"  Your's  truly,  ever,  B.  ALLEN." 

His  manner  of  adapting  himself  to  the  capacities  of  his 
children,  is  also  displayed  in  the  following,  in  which  he 
refers  to  all  the  children  he  left  at  home.  To  his  oldest 
daughter  he  writes — 

"Manchester,  England,  19th  April. 

"Dear  Harriot: — You  would  have  been  much  amused, 
if  you  had  seen  your  father,  last  Tuesday  afternoon,  in  Li- 
verpool. I  set  out  to  go  to  the  stage-office,  to  ride  to 
Prescot,  to  attend  a  Bible  Society.  My  baggage  consisted 
of  two  trunks,  or  rather  a  box  and  small  trunk.  The  gen- 
tleman I  set  out  with  employed  a  man  with  a  cart  to  carry 
them,  but  soon  the  man  stopped,  and  was  unable,  from  his 
business,  to  go  any  further.  Then  he  tried  to  get  another 
man,  and  could  not.     He  then  put  the  box  upon  the  head 

of  a  large boy — ,  and  I  took  one  end  of  the  trunk,  and 

the  gentleman  the  other,  and  went  on.  Soon  an  old  woman, 
with  a  basket  on  her  head,  met  us,  and  asked  if  we  wished 
a  porter.  We  employed  her,  and  she  took  my  trunk  in 
the  basket,  and  put  her  basket  again  on  her  head.  There 
then  was  I — the  old  woman  following  with  the  trunk,  hal- 
looing to  the boy  to  make  haste,  and  he  trudging  on. 

At  last  we  all  arrived  safe." 

"  And  my  dear  child,  your  father  arrived  safe  to  England, 
and  the  gracious  Lord  provides  him  abundance  of  Christian 
friends.  The  blessing  of  God  rest  upon  you  all.  Be  you 
an  example  to  the  rest  of  the  children.  Pi  ay  often  for 
them.     Your  affectionate  father,  B.  ALLEN." 

"  I  am  going  on  to  London.  Mrs.  Sherwood  may  per- 
haps be  seen  by  me  in  my  way." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  39  5 

"  You  would  have  been  surprised,  dear  John,  to  have 
seen,  as  I  did,  along  the  road  the  other  day,  the  boys  with 
great  pieces  of  wood  nailed  to  the  bottoms  of  their  shoes. 
They  are  very  heavy,  though  the  boys  get  used  to  them. 

"  The  hope  of  your  dear  father  is,  that  much  improve- 
ment will  be  made  by  you  against  his  return.  Love  your 
Bible.     Your  affectionate  father,  B.ALLEN." 

"Dear  Mary  Ann: — Read  the  little  books  I  sent.  Be 
a  good  girl.     Your  affectionate  father,         B.  ALLEN." 

"  Little  Benjamin  : — Learn  a  great  deal.  Kiss  Henry 
for  me.     Affectionately  your's,  B.  ALLEN." 

"  At  5  o'clock,  P.  M.  on  Tuesday,  1.5th,  got  on  the  top 
of  a  stage-coach,  and  proceeded  to  Prescott.  That  mode 
of  riding  is  preferable,  especially  on  account  of  the  oppor- 
tunity it  affords  of  taking  a  full  survey  of  the  country. 
Along  with  me,  as  fellow-passengers,  was  an  English  gen- 
tleman and  an  Irish  one,  warm  in  heart,  as  is  usual  with  his 
countrymen.  I  at  length  discovered  to  them,  that  I  was  an 
American,  when  the  Irish  gentleman  complimented  me 
with  saying,  I  spoke  the  language  so  well,  they  would 
have  taken  me  for  a  Briton.  '  The  English/  said  he  also, 
'  have  the  solidity,  and  we  Irishmen  the  warmth  of  charac- 
ter :  the  Americans  have  a  union  of  them  both.'  When  we 
parted,  he  gave  me  his  address,  insisted  on  my  seeing  him 
in  Dublin,  promising  to  drive  me  through  thirty  miles  of  as 
beautiful  country,  as  existed  in  the  world. 

"  At  Prescott,  went  with  my  letter  of  introduction  to 
the  excellent  Vicar  of  the  parish.  He  received  me  most 
cordially.  I  found,  at  his  delightful  habitation,  an  assem- 
blage of  evangelical  ministers,  of  the  Church  of  England. 
They  greeted  me  as  a  brother  ;  a  clerical  meeting  was  just 
over,  in  which  they  had  all  been  engaged — to  the  number 
of  fourteen.     These  meetings,  it  appears,  are  held  by  the 


396  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

clergy  of  that  vicinity  every  quarter.  They  meet,  open 
with  prayer,  chiefly  liturgical,  continue  by  reading  a  por- 
tion of  Scripture — the  epistle  of  St.  Paul  to  Timothy,  had 
that  day  occupied  their  attention — each  clergyman  is  then 
called  upon  to  express  his  sentiments.  The  views  of 
greatest  prevalence  among  them,  appear  to  be  Scott's,  or  at 
least  those  of  the  Christian  Observer.  They  sometimes 
meet  to  the  number  of  nineteen.  Several  of  the  clergymen 
of  Liverpool  unite  with  them.  A  Welsh  minister  con- 
nected with  the  Establishment,  the  Chaplain  of  the  Church 
of  England,  Seamen's  Church,  &c.  &;c.,  were  there.  Among 
them  was  an  individual,  who  interested  me  much.  It  was 
no  less  than  the  Regius  Professor  of  Greek,  in  the  Univer- 
sity of  Cambridge,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Scholefield  ;  whose  excel- 
lent letter  to  Lord  Liverpool  has  been  circulated  in  Ame- 
rica. He  had  come  as  the  Representative  of  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society  :  the  cause  of  which  he  also  well 
defended  in  that  letter.  He  received  me  thankfully,  as  a 
coadjutor,  and  we,  in  a  very  short  time,  proceeded  from  the 
Vicarage  to  the  meeting  of  the  Prescott  Bible  Society. 
The  excellent  Vicar  presided.  The  simple,  scriptural  piety 
of  the  Vicar,  the  Professor,  and  the  several  other  ministers 
of  the  Church  of  England,  who  spoke  on  the  occasion, 
interested  me  much.  All  breathed  the  humble,  prayerful, 
temper  of  the  Gospel.  Glory  to  God,  said  I,  in  heart :  the 
cause  of  Jesus  is  indeed  advancing. 

"  The  statements  I  was  enabled  to  make,  concerning  the 
proceedings  of  the  friends  of  the  Bible  cause  in  America, 
excited  a  powerful  interest.  All  seemed  animated  and 
delighted.  The  meeting  was  well  attended,  and  the  col- 
lection made  at  the  door,  after  it  had  closed,  was  twice  as 
large  as  was  anticipated.  It  amounted  to  nine  pounds  and 
some  shillings  sterling.  When  the  meeting  at  Prescott 
had  closed,  we  adjourned  to  the  Vicarage,  where  an  hour 
passed  on  most  pleasantly  with  the  charming  family,  and 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  897 

others  who  were  present.  There  I  learnt,  that  Mrs.  Han- 
nah More's  friends  had  found  it  necessary  to  her  happiness 
to  remove  her  from  Barley  Wood,  to  a  place,  I  presume  a 
friend's  house,  where  she  would  have  no  care,  concerning  a 
family  ;  and  be  less  subject  to  the  caprice  of  unfaithful 
servants.  She  will,  hereafter,  be  nearer  Bristol.  Her  ex- 
treme age  (eighty-three)  calls  for  this. 

"  The  Professor,  and  two  of  the  clergymen  from  Liver- 
pool, with  myself,  got  into  a  coach,  and  returned  to  Liver- 
pool, a  distance  of  eight  miles,  that  evening.  Much  Chris- 
tian converse  made  the  hour  roll  on  pleasantly. 

"Wednesd'ay,  April  16.  Professor  Scholefield  and  my- 
self took  a  stage-coach  at  half-past  eleven,  on  our  way  to 
a  Bible  anniversary,  at  Blackburn,  forty-six  miles  distant. 
Proceeded  thirty  miles  to  Preston  ;  there  took  a  post-chaise, 
and  '  posted'  across  the  country  sixteen  miles  ;  arrived  at 
Blackburn,  at  6  P.  M.  The  country  through  which  we 
passed  this  day,  is  by  no  means  the  best  agricultural 
district  in  England.  The  inhabitants  of  Lancashire  are 
generally  manufacturers.  The  farming  certainly  does  not 
appear  to  be  superior.  1  was  struck  with  the  comparatively 
small  and  mean  appearance  of  the  houses  generally.  We 
passed  a  few  seats  of  Baronets  and  'Squires  :  one  or  two  of 
which,  had  a  very  venerable  aspect.  The  style  of  archi- 
tecture almost  indescribable.  In  two  instances,  new  struc- 
tures had  been  erected  on  the  domain ;  the  old  pile  being 
allowed  still  to  stand.  Between  Preston  and  Blackburn, 
on  an  eminence,  is  a  large  pile  of  antique  buildings,  called 
Haughton  Tower ;  it  was  not  very  interesting  in  appear- 
ance ;  but  tradition  says,  Henry  VHL  was  entertained  there 
with  such  exuberant  magnificence,  that  the  family  was 
ruined,  and  has  never  since  been  able  to  obtain  possession 
of  its  estate.  A  branch  of  the  family  still  holds  large  pos- 
sessions, however,  though  said  to  be  heavily  in  debt.  A 
long  space   for   repentance,  truly,  this   family    has   had  ! 


398  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

We  may  be  thankful  there  are  no  Henry  VIII. 's  in  the 
United  States.  I  was  very  much  gratified  by  the  appear- 
ance of  Preston.  One  remarkable  peculiarity  it  had :  a 
largec  hurch  with  a  tower,  and  very  tapering  spire,  both 
rising  from  it.  It  was  built  by  two  old  maids  ;  one  of 
whom  was  desirous  of  its  having  a  spire,  and  the  other  a 
tower ;  and  as  they  could  not  agree,  and  neither  would 
give  up,  they  built  both. 

"  I  found  the  Professor  most  pleasing  as  a  companion. 
He  is  an  unassuming  man — of  meek,  humble  piety  :  one 
would  scarce  susf>ect  that  he  was,  as  he  indeed  is,  one  of 
the  greatest  scholars  of  the  age  :  probably  the  first  Greek 
scholar  in  England. 

"  We  repaired  to  our  Bible-meeting  soon  after  arriving 
in  Blackburn.  There  we  found  a  very  large  assembly  ;  the 
vicar  of  the  place  has  no  love  for  Bible  Societies.  He  wrote 
to  the  Professor  to  urge  him  not  to  come,  saying  many 
harsh  and  absurd  things,  and  alleging  that  Professor  S. 
would,  by  promoting  the  Bible  Society,  undo  his  labours. 
Alas  for  such  labours  !  Professor  S.  replied  with  much 
meekness,  but  firmness.  Professor  S.,  in  his  speech  at 
Blackburn,  alluded,  with  powerful  effect,  in  a  sentence  which 
he  called  on  me  to  amplify,  to  the  resolution  passed  by  the 
Philadelphia  young  men  to  supply  the  destitute  in  Phila- 
delphia with  the  Bible,  by  the  first  of  March.  He  urged 
those  present  to  imitate  the  example.  Repeating,  as  I  did, 
the  statements  I  had  made  at  Prescott,  concerning  Bible 
operations  in  America,  they  were  again  received  with 
acclamations.  The  impression  every  where  appears  to  be, 
that  however  England  deserves  honour  as  the  first  in  order 
of  time  in  the  Bible  cause,  America  is  going  beyond  her,  in 
activity  and  energy  at  present.  Thus  a  holy  rivalry  seems 
to  be  created.  Great  interest  was  created  by  the  fact  that 
I  was  an  American.  The  information  in  my  power  to  give 
was   received   with    the    utmost   avidity.      Thursday,   we 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  399 

breakfasted  with  a  kind  widow  lady.  Blackburn  has 
twenty-six  thousand  inhabitants,  chiefly  manufacturers  ;  the 
sufferings  of  whom  have,  not  a  great  while  since,  been  of 
tlie  most  poignant  kind.  Now,  however,  employment  is 
sufficiently  abundant.  Soldiers  are  stationed  near  at  hand 
to  be  ready  in  case  of  disturbance.  Schools  are  becoming 
so  numerous,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that,  by  and  by, 
moral  power  may  take  the  place  of  military.  I  enjoyed  the 
society  of  the  Professor  once  more  during  our  ride  to  Bury, 
sixteen  miles  distant,  whither  we  went  to  attend  our  third 
Bible  Anniversary.  The  Professor  being  under  the  neces- 
sity of  hastening  onward  to  Cambridge,  left  me,  as  his  sub- 
stitute at  Bury  ;  after  kindly  giving  me  cards  of  introduc- 
tion to  his  friends  on  the  road  to'  London  ;  inviting  me  to 
see  him  at  Cambridge.  I  bless  God  that  I  thus  met  with 
him. 

"The  Vicar  of  Bury,  a  nephew  of  Lord  Darby,  and 
allied  to  several  noble  families,  took  the  chaii  of  the 
meeting  at  Bury,  and  several  clergymen  of  the  Establish- 
ment participated  in  the  proceedings.  Thanks  were  again 
returned  for  my  statements,  and  although  he  had  before 
pressed  the  Bible  Society  on  the  attention  of  his  parish- 
ioners, he  closed  by  urging  them  to  emulate  the  ladies  and 
young  men  of  Philadelphia.  T  experienced  the  utmost 
kindness  from  two  clergymen's  families  in  Bury,  and  on  the 
morning  of  Friday,  18th  April,  set  out  for  Manchester. 
Goodness  and  mercy  have  followed  me  thus  far. 

"Saturday,  19th. — Yesterday  passed  with  delightful 
Christian  society ;  last  evening  in  similar  society.  The 
Rev.  J.  HoUist  and  his  excellent  partner,  abound  in  Chris- 
tian courtesy  and  kindness.     The  Lord  reward  them  ! 

"  One  circumstance  mentioned  to  me  at  Manchester  and 
other  places  gives  me  pain,  viz  :  the  increase  of  infidelity 
among  the  manufacturers.  I  hear  ministers  of  different 
denominations  expressing  their  sorrow  at  this,  and  asking 


400  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

what  is  to  be  done  ?  Certainly  there  is  a  loud  call  for 
increase  of  effort  on  the  part  of  the  religious  associations, 
Bible,  Tract,  Sunday-school,  &c.  of  the  kingdom.  When 
the  enemy  cometh  in  like  a  flood,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord 
shall  lift  up  a  standard  against  him.  This  promise  is  our 
hope." 

"Manchester,  England,  April  19th,  1828. 

"  My  Bible-class  may  rest  assured  the  repeated  expres- 
sions of  their  kindness  are  not  forgotten  by  me.  Your 
prayers,  my  beloved  young  friends,  have  been  answered. 
The  '  everlasting  arms'  have  indeed  been  round  about  me  ; 
and  though  scarce  a  week  in  England,  Christian  friends 
abound  Jtowards  me  in  every  expression  of  kindness  and 
love.  I  am  induced  to  relate,  for  your  edification,  a  cir- 
cumstance that  was  stated  by  a  clergyman  in  a  speech  at  a 
public  meeting  in  hehalf  of  the  Bible  Society,  the  day 
before  yesterday.  You  may,  when  you  hear  it,  learn  what 
high  value  you  ought  to  set  on  your  privileges. 

"  At  Carlow,  in  Ireland,  said  he,  I  was  at  a  friend's 
house,  where  my  friend  invited  me  to  see  a  young  man  in 
his  parlour.  The  young  man,  twenty-one  years  of  age, 
gave  this  account  of  himself — 

"  My  parents  are  Roman  Catholics.  I  was  educated  by 
them  for  a  priest.  I  studied  numerous  languages,  &c.  At 
length,  a  neighbour  who  was  removing,  desired  my  father 
to  allow  him  to  leave  in  his  house  a  large  Bible,  which  he 
could  not,  at  the  time,  conveniently  remove.  I  had  never 
read  the  Bible.  The  copy  left  at  my  father's  lay  up  stairs 
for  some  time.  At  length,  one  day,  my  father  said  to  me, 
'  Henry,  go  bring  down  that  Bible  and  read  to  me  out  of  it.' 
1  replied,  '  I  had  rather  not,  father.'  He  said,  '  Henry  I 
command  you.'  I  went  and  brought  down  the  Bible.  My 
father  then  said,  '  Henry,  read  to  me  out  of  that  book.'  I 
obeyed.     The  passage  to  which  I  opened  was  '  forbidding 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  401 

to  marry  and  commanding  to  abstain  from  meats,  &c.'  I 
stopped  and  asked  my  father,  '  Is  this  the  Bible  ?'  '  It  is,' 
said  my  father.  '  But  is  it  a  true  Bible  V  '  I  believe  it  is,' 
said  my  father.  '  Then  father,'  said  I,  '  we  are  wrong.' — 
From  that  day  I  read  the  Bible.  At  length  I  felt  convinced 
the  Roman  Catholics  were  wrong,  and  went  on  a  Sunday  to 
the  Church  of  England  chapel.  The  next  Sunday  I  went 
again.  The  day  after,  my  father  said  to  me,  '  Henry,  where 
were  you  yesterday  ?'  I  told  him.  '  And  where  were  you  the 
Sunday  before  V  '  At  the  same  place.'  'And  do  you  mean 
to  continue  to  go  there  ?'  '  I  do.'  '  Why  V  '  Because  I 
hav«  been  reading  that  Bible  you  made  me  bring  to  you, 
and  I  am  convinced  we  are  wrong.'  My  father  drew  a 
dagger  out  of  his  cane  and  stabbed  me  in  the  forehead, 
making  a  deep  gash.  The  blood  ran  profusely,  and  my 
mother  seizing  a  stick,  began  to  beat  me.  I  ran  up  stairs, 
got  into  my  chamber,  and  barricadoed  the  door.  The  blood 
from  my  forehead  ran  profusely,  but  there  I  remained  all 
night.  The  next  day,  I  thought  the  storm  was  over,  and  I 
might  venture  down  stairs.  My  father,  however,  had  pro- 
cured the  assistance  of  a  young  man,  a  cousin  of  mine,  and 
as  I  came  down  stairs,  both  began  beating  me,  and  con- 
tinued until  their  sticks  were  broken.  At  length,  escaping 
into  another  room,  I  jumped  out  of  an  open  window,  and 
ran  for  my  life  to  a  neighbouring  village.  I  there  ran  into 
the  first  open  door.  Providentially,  a  pious  man,  who  was 
a  man  of  firmness,  lived  in  the  house,  and  he  sheltered  me.' 

"  The  clergyman  saw  the  gash  in  the  forehead  of  the 
young  man. 

"  Young  ladies,  contrast,  I  beseech  you,  your  privileges 
with  those  of  poor  Henry.  Continue  your  prayers,  that  I 
may  experience  still  the  blessings  of  the  Lord.  May  every 
blessing  rest  upon  you. 

"  In  the  afternoon  of  Saturday,  19th  April,  set  out,  on  the 
top  of  the  coach,  to  Stafibrdshire,  where  resided  a  Phil^- 
M  m 


402  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

delphia  friend.  As  I  rode  into  Staffordshire,  found  the 
appearance  of  the  farms  improving.  A  better  agricultural 
district,  and  more  diversified  with  hill  and  dale,  opened  on 
our  \iew.  A  more  frequent  appearance  of  wood,  also, 
reminded  me,  that  England  was  not  all,  what  Dr.  Johnson 
used  to  say  Scotland  was,  destitute  of  trees.  In  the  course 
of  the  afternoon's  ride,  passed  a  Church,  which  was  not 
only  extremely  ancient,  but  singular  in  its  appearance. 
The  spire  is  at  the  side.  The  Church  consists  of  a  main 
central  building,  and  two  wings — the  wings  narrow,  and 
having  fully  the  appearance  of  component  parts  of  the  main 
building,  though  they  project  from  it.  The  style,  as  usual, 
the  ancient  gothic.  An  entrance  to  the  Church,  was  as 
antique  as  the  building  itself.  Lord  Lorton,  who  resides 
in  the  neighbourhood,  has  the  presentation  to  the  living, 
and  a  brother  of  his  is  the  present  incumbent.  That  bro- 
ther resides  in  a  house,  in  which  Queen  Elizabeth  once 
kept  her  court.  Contiguous  are  the  ruins  of  a  rampart, 
erected  at  the  period  of  the  Queen's  sojourn.  One  tower 
of  that  rampart  is  still  standing — the  remainder  was  thrown 
down  during  the  days  of  Cromwell.  That  solitary  tower, 
standing  as  it  does,  on  a  lofty  eminence,  is  a  herald  to  the 
traveller,  of  days  and  of  persons,  long  since  departed.  May 
we,  who  now  live.  leave  behind  us  more  important  monu- 
ments. 

"In  Staffordshire  are  situated  many  of  the  Potteries,  at 
which  is  made,  what,  in  America,  is  called  Liverpool  ware. 
They  are  forty  miles  distant  from  Manchester.  As  we  ap- 
proached them,  our  road  lay  through  an  extensive  mining 
district,  where  coal  is  found  in  immense  quantities.  The 
smoke  from  almost  innumerable  fires  was  all  around  us. 
Small  rail-roads  crossed  our  way  continually  ;  and  we  evi- 
dently were  in  the  midst  of  labourers.  There  is  great  use 
made  of  steam-engines  by  the  miners.  Coal  is  raised  from 
the  pits  by  their  means. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  403 

"  Passed  through  the  town  in  which  Sumtnerfield  lived  ; 
and  from  which  he  went  to  America.  I  heard  of  him  from 
a  member  of  the  Methodist  communion,  with  whom  I  after- 
wards met.  In  that  town,  is  a  very  large  number  of  Wes- 
leyan  Methodists.  The  Kilhamites,  so  called,  from  the  man 
who  led  them  from  the  Wesleyans,  are  more  numerous  in 
this  neighbourhood,  than  any  where  else.  Their  founder 
resided  here.  The  Potteries  are  like  a  continual  village 
of  seven  miles  in  extent.  Ancient  towns  of  some  size  are 
interspersed  :  but  the  portions  of  the  route  occupied  by 
manufacturers  only  are  considerable.  It  being  Saturday 
evening,  markets  were  open  in  all  the  towns.  A  kind  of 
booths  were  erected,  throughout  the  whole  of  the  market 
streets,  and  in  those  were  displayed  a  great  variety  of  ap- 
parel and  furniture,  as  well  as  food. 

"  Most  cordially  received  at  the  gentleman's  house  to 
which  I  went.  He  is  an  Englishman,  who  has  been  much 
in  America — frequently  heard  me  at  St.  Paul's — and  has  a 
Philadelphia  wife ;  hence,  I  entitle  him  a  Philadelphia 
friend ;  although,  until  my  arrival  at  Liverpool,  I  had  not 
met  with  him.  In  his  hospitable  abode,  the  hours  passed 
most  pleasantly. 

"  Sunday,  April  20th,  went  to  the  parish  Church  at 
Stokes,  said  to  be  the  oldest  in  England.  It  certainly  has 
a  most  antique  appearance.  Called,  previous  to  service, 
upon  the  clergyman,  who  made  me  address  a  few  words  to 
each  of  the  Sunday-schools,  two  in  number,  connected  with 
his  Church ;  and  almost  forced  me  into  his  pulpit.  I  de- 
clined preaching,  however ;  though,  if  I  had  succeeded  in 
getting  to  Church  in  the  afternoon,  the  probability  is,  I 
should  scarcely  have  been  able  to  resist  his  importunity. 
He  is  an  animated  extempore  preacher.  Hearing  that  I 
was  travelling  for  my  health,  he,  of  his  own  accord,  offered 
up  prayers  for  my  restoration,  during  the  service.  His 
sermon  leading  him  to  dwell  upon  the  power  of  the  keys 


404  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

as  given  to  the  Apostles,  he  insisted  upon  it,  the  apostles 
were  to  have  no  successors  in  the  possession  of  that  power. 
The  Rector  of  this  Parish  is  a  Layman.  He  purchased 
the  living,  and  is  making  money  out  of  it.  He  is  an  attor- 
ney, and  is  extremely  disliked  by  the  people.  The  offici- 
ating clergyman  is,  of  course,  supported  out  of  the  income. 
This  possibility  of  having  a  lay  rector,  which,  in  a  few 
instances,  such  as  the  present,  is  realized,  is  certainly  a 
great  evil.  The  people  may  well  be  displeased  when  money, 
originally  designed  for  a  useful  end,  is  appropriated  by  an 
avaricious  man  to  his  own  purposes.  I  am  thankful  there 
is  no  such  possibility  in  the  United  States. 

"  A  highly  respectable  Methodist  gentleman,  a  connexion 
of  the  family  with  whom  I  sojourned,  having  joined  us  at 
dinner,  gave  me  much  information  concerning  Methodism 
in  England.  His  account  states,  that  the  Conference  now 
recommends  to  all  in  the  Wesleyan  connexion  in  this 
country,  the  use  of  the  Liturgy  of  the  Church  of  England. 
That  not  only  Adam  Clarke,  (who  now  resides  in  London,) 
but  several  other  very  eminent  Methodist  ministers,  use  it 
constantly.  Kindly  furnishing  me  with  letters  to  several 
persons  in  the  metropolis,  he  bade  me  adieu.  No  want  of 
friendship,  or  Christian  courtesy  has,  as  yet,  been  expe- 
rienced by  me  in  this  land. 

"  The  morning  of  Monday,  April  21st,  was  passed  in  see- 
ing the  process  of  manufacturing  '  Liverpool  china.'  Every 
appearance  of  decency  and  comfort  manifest  in  those  em- 
ployed. Their  earnings  sufficient  to  affi)rd  very  good  sup- 
port. The  best  hands  may  obtain  from  ten  to  twelve  dol- 
lars per  week ;  women  and  children  in  proportion.  The 
clay  passes  through  many  hands,  ere  the  ware  has  been 
prepared,  even  for  the  kiln.  Several  articles  being  made 
in  my  presence,  I  had  full  opportunity  of  observing  the 
whole  process.  Those  very  articles  are  destined  for  the 
Philadelphia  market.      The    clay  for  these   Potteries  is 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  405 

brought  from  Cornwall.  Coal  is  abundant  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood. 

*'  The  people  of  England  are  certainly  much  more  healthy 
in  appearance,  than  those  of  America..  There  is  a  ruddy 
complexion  every  where.  '  Summer  complaint,'  among 
children,  is  unknown.  Humid  as  this  atmosphere  is,  there 
is  something  in  it  favourable  to  health. 

"  Monday,  April  21. — Proceeded  from  the  Potteries  to 
Birmingham.  The  road  lay  through  a  country,  which  is 
interesting  in  appearance ;  indeed,  a  beautiful  country  di- 
versified by  slight  undulations,  in  some  degree  picturesque. 
Passed  the  seat  of  the  Marquis  of  Stafford ;  and  on  an 
eminence  near  the  tower  of  Stafford,  beheld  the  remains  of 
the  ancient  castle  of  the  house  of  Stafford.  Its  towers  had 
all  fallen  ;  but  two  of  them  have  been  rebuilt.  Those  pre- 
sent a  front  in  some  degree  resembling  St.  Stephen's  in 
Philadelphia.  The  days  of  fierce  barons,  however,  have 
departed,  and  well  may  we  rejoice  at  their  departure.  Ap- 
preaching  Birmingham,  we  passed  a  long  range  of  mines, 
the  steam-engines  of  which  were  at  work  in  every  direction. 

"  The  very  frequent  recurrence  of  Churches,  new  and 
old,  throughout  the  whole  length  of  the  land,  was  to  me 
delightful ;  not  only  the  ancient  walls  and  towers  where 
our  fathers  worshipped,  centuries  ago,  but  new  buildings 
most  substantial  and  beautiful,  appeared.  I  rejoiced  at  the 
view.  The  money  granted  by  government,  for  the  increase 
of  Church  room,  is  expending  in  great  profusion.  Some  of 
the  new  buildings  are  very  large,  and  all  in  the  gothic 
style  of  architecture.  Near  the  Church,  in  Staffordshire, 
where  I  passed  the  Sabbath,  a  new  Church  is  erecting  very 
near  the  old,  which,  with  the  present  parsonage,  is  to  be 
torn  down.  Let  but  the  spirit  of  piety  animate  the  minis- 
ter3,  and  the  land  will  experience  a  rich  blessing.  The 
prospects  of  the  Church  of  England  are  certainly  improv- 
ing. More  who  feel  the  spirit  of  piety  enter  the  sacred 
m2 


406  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

desk  now,  than  formerly.  The  pulpit  does  not  contradict 
the  reading-desk  so  much  as  it  has  been  in  the  habit  of 
doing.  Men  who  are  not  afraid  to  talk  of  joy  and  peace  in 
believing,  begin  to  abound.  The  doctrines  of  the  Refor- 
mers are  coming  from  the  rubbish.  Let  but  these  doc- 
trines pervade  the  land,  and  England  will  put  on  the  beau- 
tiful garments  of  salvation.  I  took  tea  with  an  aged  minis- 
ter of  the  Establishment  in  Birmingham,  who  seemed  a  true 
evangelist.  His  countenance  and  manner  reminded  me 
very  much  of  one,  who  richly  deserves  respect,  the-Bishop 
of  Virginia.  He,  like  true  evangelists  generally,  is  de- 
Voted  to  the  Bible  cause.  Professor  Scholefield,  &c.  hav- 
ing furnished  me  with  introduction  to  several  faithful  men 
on  the  route,  I  wished  to  visit  them,  but  the  period  of  the 
anniversaries  in  London  drawing  near,  I  concluded  to  pro- 
ceed directly  to  London.  At  seven  on  the  morning  of  the 
22d  April,  therefore,  I  left  the  busy  '  toy-shop  of  Europe,' 
and  riding  one  hundred  and  ten  miles,  arrived  in  the  me- 
tropolis at  eight  in  the  evening.  Much  to  interest  appeared 
in  the  route. 

"  All  the  towns  of  England  are  antique  in  appearance, 
the  streets  narrow;  but  the  country  is  generally  well  culti- 
vated :  the  venerable  gothic  piles  in  which  the  worship  of 
the  Most  High  is  celebrated,  attract  particular  notice.  The 
('hurch  of  St.  Alban's  is  remarkable  for  its  size.  The 
residences  of  the  great,  scattered  over  the  land,  show  that 
it  is  a  country  of  nobility  ;  occasional  parks,  and  now  and 
then  a  forest,  mark  the  possessions  of  the  mighty. 

'  How  vain  are  all  things  here  below.'  " 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


JOUKNAL,  FROM  HIS  ARRIVAL  IN  LONDON,  TILL  MAY  Slst. 


My  brother's  Journal  thus  proceeds — 

"  London,  Wednesday,  April  23d,  1828. — On  rising  in 
the  morning  of  the  first  of  my  days  in  this  city,  I  repaired 
first  to  the  office  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 
As  the  Secretary,  to  whom  I  had  letters,  was  in  the  coun- 
try, a  few  miles  distant,  I  failed  in  my  attempt  at  meeting 
him  early.  The  next  of  my  visits  was  to  a  Christian  bro- 
ther, Secretary  to  a  Missionary  Society,  As  I  was  seeking 
him,  I  most  providentially  came  to  a  retired  pleasant  home, 
at  which  clergymen  were  accustomed  to  take  lodgings,  and 
located  myself.  It  is  a  pleasant,  quiet  retirement,  in  the 
very  heart  of  the  city,  near  most  of  the  religious  societies* 
houses.  Returning  to  the  office  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Messrs.  Brand- 
ram,  Pinkerton,  Henderson,  Dudley,  Tarm,  and  others  of 
note  throughout  the  Christian  world,  as  honoured  ^vith  the 
agency  of  that  noble  Institution.  In  the  course  of  the  day, 
saw  also  Dr.  Steinkoff,  late  Secretary,  and  still  a  volunteer 
in  the  holy  cause.  These  men  were  interesting  to  me, 
because  of  their  Master's  work.  I  feel  thankful  for  the 
privilege  of  their  acquaintance  and  friendship.  Thence, 
after  much  converse,  to  the  Church  Missionary  House, 
where,  saw  the  excellent  minister  of  Jesus,  E.  Bickersteth 
— thence  to  Prayer  Book  and  Homily  House.    These  Insti- 


408  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

tutions  delight  my  soul,  and  to  be  instrumental,  though  a 
hewer  of  wood  and  drawer  of  water,  in  promoting  them,  is 
my  fervent  desire.  O  Lord,  condescend  to  use  me  as  an 
instrument !  Thou  dost  choose  the  weak  things  and  th6 
base  things,  aye,  even  things  which  are  not! 

"  The  day  was  passed  in  visiting  various  sections  of  the 
city  with  one  of  the  Bible  Society's  Secretaries,  with  whom 
I  had  most  valuable  and  interesting  conversation.  As  it 
was  St.  George's  Day,  celebrated  as  the  king's  birth-day, 
we  surveyed  a  portion  of  the  titled  visitors  who  were  going 
to  and  from  the  king's  levee.  We  also  took  a  view  of  the 
exterior  of  Westminster  Abbey,  St.  Paul's,  St.  James' 
palace,  the  Tower,  &;c. ;  traversed  many  streets — visited 
several  parks — crossed  in  a  coach  two  of  the  bridges  over 
the  Thames — examined  the  interior  of  a  venerable  church 
in  the  Bowery,  where  are  several  curious  monuments  ;  and 
finally  separated,  after  resolving  to  ride  the  next  morning 
thirty  miles  to  attend  together  the  anniversary  of  a  Bible 
Society.  Took  possession  of  my  comfortable  house  that 
evening." 

In  a  letter  to  his  wife,  he  observes — "  My  health  bids 
fair  to  improve  mucli." 

"Thursday,  April  24,  at  8  o'clock,  mounted  a  stage- 
coach, and  rode,  in  two  hours  and  three  quarters,  through 
a  fine  country,  to  Chelmsford,  distant  from  London  thirty 
miles.  There,  was  hospitably  entertained  in  a  Quaker 
family.  The  Friends  of  England  are  warmly  interested  for 
the  Bible  Society,  regard  the  indifference  of  Friends  in 
America  to  the  Bible  cause  with  sorrow,  and  are  deeply 
distressed  by  the  events  now  transpiring  across  the  At- 
lantic ;  regarding,  as  they  do,  the  friends  of  Elias  Hicks 
as  having  departed  from  the  true  faith. 

"We  purpose,  said  an  intelligent  Friend,  preparing  a 
summary  of  our  faith,  not  to  be  received  as  a  creed,  but  an 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  409 

expression  of  what  wc  believe  to  be  truth.  The  instruc- 
tion of  the  rising  generation  in  the  Book  of  God,  said  he, 
has  not  been  neglected  among  us. 

"  The  Bible  Society  met  in  the  Shire  Hall :  a  numerous 
assemblage  present — the  Secretary  from  London  gave  much 
interesting  information.  The  Rector  of  a  neighbourhood 
spoke  vi^ith  spiritual  fervour.  A  curate,  from  Oxford,  was 
chosen  Secretary,  vice  a  rector  deceased.  The  statements 
I  was  enabled  to  make,  were,  as  at  previous  meetings,  lis- 
tened to  with  fraternal  kindness,  and  an  expression  of  deep 
interest  as  good  news  from  a  distant  land.  One  highly 
respectable  old  gentleman  gratified  me  much  by  his  speech. 
His  pious  heart  overflowed  with  warm  emotion,  as  he  urged 
upon  the  young,  and  upon  the  poor,  and  upon  the  ladies 
present,  the  holy  cause  of  the  Bible.  In  all  these  meetings, 
Dissenters  unite  their  various  ranks  with  Churchmen. 
Thus  it  will  be  in  Heaven. 

"  Walked  through  the  church,  and  contemplated  its  monu- 
ments. A  flag,  hung  over  the  pulpit  only  twenty  years  ago, 
is  dropping  to  pieces.  Thus  be  it  soon  with  all  the  insig- 
nia of  war!  Returned,  after  dinner,  to  London.  As  we  rode 
on,  the  dwelling  of  George  Fox,  founder  of  the  Friends' 
Society,  was  shown  me — seventeen  miles  distant  from  the 
city.  It  was  pointed  out  by  a  very  intelligent  Friend  who 
accompanied.     It  is  called  '  The  Gooses.' 

"  The  Rev.  Henry  A.  Budd,  known  as  the  author  of 
various  pious  works,  having  attended  the  meeting  to  take 
part  in  promoting  the  interests  of  the  society,  returned 
with  us  to  town  ;  and  we  repaired,  at  eight  o'clock,  the 
time  of  our  arrival,  to  his  house ;  where  a  cup  of  tea,  and 
Christian  converse,  made  an  hour  pass  most  agreeably  :  we 
separated  to  meet,  as  I  hope,  often.  Truly  goodness  and 
mercy  continue  to  follow  me.  I  found  the  ride  to  Chelms- 
ford extremely  beneficial  to  my  health.  The  time  occu- 
pied in  speaking  at  the  meeting  was  short ;  therefore,  I  was 
not  injured  by  the  effort :  the  Lord  be  praised. 


410  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  London,  April  28. — I  spent  yesterday,  Sunday  morn- 
ing', in  a  manner  not  very  edifying,  but  it  was  in  conse- 
quence of  various  mistakes.  Set  out  betimes,  and  walked 
nearly  two  miles  to  hear  the  Bishop  of  London  preach. 
[No  less  than  six  bishops  preached  in  town  yesterday 
week.]  Arrived  at  the  church  along  with  two  Philadel- 
phians,  whom  I  met  by  appointment,  an  hour  previous  to 
that  of  service,  which  was  later  than  usual.  Resolved, 
instead  of  waiting,  to  go  to  a  chapel  at  some  distance, 
where  it  was  concluded  we  would  arrive  in  season.  Ap- 
proachiag  that  chapel,  we  found  ourselves  near  Westmin- 
ster Abbey,  and  as  service  had  commenced  in  the  Abbey, 
we  entered  at  '  Poet's  Corner.'  Dryden,  Milton, Watts,  and 
a  host  of  learned  and  unlearned  dead,  some  eminent  for 
piety,  and  others  for  vice,  gazed  from  their  monumental 
thrones  as  we  passed.  The  beauty  of  the  array  of  tablets, 
the  variety  of  marble  figures,  and  of  inscriptions,  invited 
attention,  but  we  passed  through  the  '  long  drawn  aisles'  to 
a  seat  overlooking  the  choir,  where  the  worshippers  were 
assembled.  A  large  portion  of  them  consisted  of  scholars 
and  others  arrayed  in  white  vestments.  The  whole  service 
was  chaunted.  At  length  the  old  churchman  who  was 
with  me,  insisting  upon  it,  that  the  service  thus  performed 
was  next  to  useless,  and  proposing  our  adjournment  to 
some  more  intelligible  place,  left  the  Abbey.  The  rear  of 
Westminster  Abbey,  by  which  we  entered,  is  the  most 
beautiful  specimen  of  gothic  I  ever  beheld.  It  is  delicate, 
rich,  and  chaste  in  style — consisting,  in  part,  of  small, 
highly  finished  towers,  rising  around  the  almost  continued 
window.  The  interior  is  magnificent.  The  stone  pillars, 
each  appearing  as  if  formed  of  a  cluster  of  smaller  ones, 
ascending  to  the  roof,  the  arches  surmounting  all — the 
beautifully  painted  glass  ;  indeed,  the  whole  of  the  build- 
ing bespoke  a  taste  which  endeavoured  to  convert  the  soul 
by  captivating  the  senses. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  411 

"  After  leaving  the  sepulchre  of  the  mighty  dead,  we 
found  it  so  late,  that  we  resolved  to  repair  to  our  place  of 
dining,  and  be  ready  in  time  to  listen  to  a  sermon  in  the 
afternoon.  On  the  way,  we  passed  through  St.  Paul's 
Cathedral,  whither  the  Lord  Mayor  and  the  Judges,  Alder- 
men, Sheriffs,  &c.,  were  repairing  in  state,  it  being  the 
first  Sunday  of  Easter  Term.  They  passed  in  review 
before  us,  with  wigs  and  scarlet  cloaks,  with  mace,  sword, 
&;c.  The  world  seemed  to  have  arrayed  itself  in  holyday 
attire.  As  we  stood  for  the  moment  in  the  Cathedral,  we 
beheld  around  us  the  monuments  of  Samuel  Johnson  ;  Pack- 
enham,  who  fell  at  New  Orleans ;  Collingwood,  Lord  Nelson, 
and  very  many  more.  Above,  around  the  immense  dome, 
were  hung  various  flags,  taken  from  enemies  in  battle. 
The  '  choir'  in  which  divine  worship  is  celebrated,  is 
severed  from  the  '  Naive'  or  body  of  the  Cathedral,  by  a 
railing.  Over  the  entrance  to  the  choir,  is  an  inscription 
in  Jionour  of  Sir  Christopher  Wren,  the  well  known  archi- 
tect who  built  the  Cathedral. 

"  Fatigued  with  this  view  of  parade,  and  disappointed  of 
the  object  of  my  morning's  walk,  I  went  to  rest  in  the  house 
of  a  hospitable  citizen,  the  nephew  of  one  of  my  com- 
panions. After  dinner,  repaired  to  a  Church  in  Bow  Lane, 
where,  heard  a  rich  Gospel  sermon,  from  a  venerable  min- 
ister of  the  Church  of  England,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wilkinson. 
He  was  the  cotemporary  and  friend  of  Romaine,  now  in 
his  seventy-eighth  year — faithfully  preaches  the  Word.  I 
could  not  but  exclaim,  '■  How  much  richer  that  sermon, 
than  all  we  have  seen  this  morning!'  The  Lord  Mayor's 
state-coach  crossed  our  path  as  we  were  repairing  to 
Church,  and  truly  a  more  guady  object  could  scarcely  be 
framed. 

"  In  the  evening,  was  edified  by  another  excellent  ser- 
mon from  the  Editor  of  the  Christian  Review  and  Cle- 
rical Magazine.     In  remarking  upon  the  manner  in  which 


412  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

the  Sabbath  is  observed  in  London,  I  would  say,  it  is 
evidently  more  violated  than  in  America.  Sunday  news- 
papers, numerous  shops  of  various  articles  of  clothing  open, 
fruiterers,  and  others  vending  their  goods  along  the  street, 
all  indicate  a  lower  tone  of  feeling  in  reference  to  the 
fourth  commandment.  Many  attend  the  various  places  of 
worship, wherein  truth  is  preached;  in  the  Establishment, 
or  out  of  it,  hearers  are  not  wanting,  but  iniquity  also 
abounds.     May  the  Lord  effect  a  thorough  reformation. 

"  In  a  Roman  Catholic  chapel,  passed  by  us  during  the 
day,  is  a  pulpit  presented  by  the  Duke  of  Norfolk,  and  a 
splendid  painting  representing  the  crucifixion,  as  an  altar- 
piece. 

"  On  our  way  to  the  place  of  evening  service,  we  cross- 
ed Smithfield,  the  famous  spot  hallowed  by  the  blood  of  so 
many  martyrs.  There,  said  I,  is  where  Latimer  exclaimed, 
'  Be  of  good  cheer,  brother  Ridley,  and  play  the  man — we 
shall  this  day  light  such  a  fire  in  England,  as,  by  God's 
grace,  shall  never  be  put  out !' 

"  Two  days  of  the  last  week,  of  which  I  have  made  no 
note,  were  passed  very  pleasantly.  One  of  them,  Friday, 
chiefly  in  company  with  an  excellent  clergyman,  who  got 
me  to  address  a  public  meeting  in  the  evening,  at  the  Lon- 
don Tavern.  The  meeting  consisted  of  the  friends  of  the 
Society  for  Improving  the  Character  of  Female  Servants. 
The  society  gives  Bibles,  Tracts,  and  rewards  in  money. 
The  late  Lord  Mayor,  (in  the  absence  of  the  President  of 
the  Society,  the  present  Lord  Mayor,  who  was  prevented 
from  attending)  took  the  chair.  I  oflfered,  by  request,  a 
resolution  expressing  thankfulness  to  God,  and  a  conviction 
that  all  prosperity  is  from  him,  and  it  was  seconded  by  a 
gentleman  from  Switzerland.  Alluding  to  us,  the  Chair- 
man remarked,  that  had  I  not  told  them  I  was  from  a 
distant  land,  they  would  have  supposed,  from  my  speech, 
(hat  I  was  an   Englishman.     This  gentleman  is  an    emi- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  413 

nently  pious  man.     During  his  mayoralty,  he  had  prayers 
at  the  Mansion  House,  morning  and  evening. 

"  Saturday,  had  an  affecting  interview  with  the  parents 
of  Rev.  W.  Eldred,  who  died  lately  in  America.  They 
are  very  thankful  for  the  manifestations  of  piety  and  use- 
fulness, on  the  part  of  their  beloved  son.  Oh,  that  the 
departure  of  that  son  may  be  a  blessing  to  them. 

"  Took  tea  with  the  family  of  a  deceased  minister,  who 
was  converted  through  the  instrumentality  of  Dr.  Pilmore, 
half  a  century  ago.  They  insist  upon  it,  the  Doctor  was 
ninety-three  years  old.  They  spoke  of  him  with  much 
affection,  and  preserve  his  likeness,  which  they  possess, 
with  great  care. 

"Among  the  various  buildings  in  London,  Somerset  House 
is  interesting  in  appearance,  presenting  a  long  and  beautiful 
front,  especially  when  viewed  at  a  distance.  The  gran- 
deurs of  this  world  seldom  bear  examination.  The  palace 
of  the  king,  St.  James's,  is  a  rude  misshapen  pile,  having  the 
appearance  of  a  prison,  more  than  the  abode  of  majesty. 
The  building  in  which  George  IV.  lived,  when  prince 
regent,  Carlton  Palace,  has  been  torn  down,  and  private 
dwellings  have  been  erected  in  its  stead.  I  traversed,  with 
great  delight,  the  new  street,  said  to  have  been  laid  out  by 
his  majesty,  when  prince  regent,  and  entitled  Regent 
street.  The  style  of  the  buildings,  on  either  side,  simple 
and  grand :  the  colonnade  along  the  portion  of  the  street 
called  the  Quadrant ;  the  width  of  the  street,  which  I  could 
not  but  contrast  with  the  alleys  in  the  city ,'  all  combined 
to  excite  great  interest.  The  whole  of  the  western  part  of 
London  abounds  with  wide  streets.  Open  squares  are  not 
unfrequent.  These  squares  are  beautiful  to  the  eye,  wea- 
ried with  contemplating  brick  walls  and  brick  walks.  They 
are  surrounded  by  iron  railings.  The  use  of  many  of  the 
smaller  of  them  is  confined  to  the  families  resident  imme- 
diately around.  The  Exchange,  Bank  of  England,  Man- 
N  n 


414  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

sion  House,  or  dwelling  of  the  Lord  Mayor,  are  large  piles, 
but  heavy  in  appearance.  The  whole  of  the  city  is  dark 
in  appearance,  for  the  brick  throughout  England,  so  far 
as  I  have  seen  them,  are  not  of  the  bright  appearance  of 
those  in  America ;  freestone  is  much  used,  and  coal-smoke 
increases  the  natural  darkness  of  the  material.  The  anti- 
quity of  very  many  of  the  buildings,  too,  gives  them  a 
sombre  aspect.  The  association  of  ideas  makes  London 
interesting.  We  think  of  former  days,  and  though  we 
cannot  but  be  thankful  that  the  character  of  those  days  has 
passed  away,  we  still  view  with  feeling  the  scenes  of  our 
fathers'  history.  The  thought  that  this  is  the  land  of  our 
ancestors,  is  perhaps  more  striking  than  the  thought  that  it 
is  our  own  land  :  for  with  our  own  land  we  are  familiar, 
but  with  the  land  of  our  ancestors,  we  usually  hear  much, 
and  read  much,  before  we  see  it,  and  when  we  do  see  it, 
every  thing  around  us  appears  fraught  with  interest.  One 
who  returns  to  his  native  land,  after  a  long  absence, 
has  emotions  similar  to  him  who  visits  the  land  of  his 
ancestors."         *****  *         * 

"  I  perceive  the  Church  of  England  herself  is  Catholic 
in  her  views  towards  those  who  differ  from  her.  An  addi- 
tional proof  of  this  is  found  in  the  repeal  of  the  test  and 
corporation  acts,  which  last  night  passed  the  House  of 
Lords  :  the  Bishops,  generally,  not  opposing."       *         * 

"  I  have  heard  three  ministers  of  the  Church  of  England, 
within  two  weeks,  and  they  have  preached  extempora- 
neously. I  have  seen  forty  ministers  of  the  Church,  within 
the  same  period,  and  they  are  friendly  to  the  Bible  Society. 
True,  I  have  not  sought  for  those  who  are  afraid  of  the 
Bible  going  alone,  but  I  am  struck  with  the  fact  of  my  see- 
ing so  many  in  so  short  a  time,  who  are  friendly  to  the 
pure  Word.     I  pray  their  number  may  increase. 

"  I  perceive  a  new  version  of  the  Psalms  used  in  some 
of  the  Churches.     It  consists  in  part  of  what  we  use  as 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  415 

Hymns  ;  such  as  (old)  16th  Hymn  for  23d  Psalm,  &,c.  The 
Doxology  is  sometimes  sung  immediately  after  sermon  in 
the  afternoon,  without  any  previous  psalm  or  hymn.  In 
some  instances,  the  organ  is  not  played  between  the  verses  : 
the  singers  passing  directly  from  verse  to  verse.  This  is 
an  improvement.  The  responding  is  left  too  much  to  the 
clerk.  He  indeed  does  harm — the  people  getting  the  idea 
that  he  is  to  pray  for  them. 

"  Monday,  April  28. — Attended  a  meeting  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  felt 
thankful  to  God  for  the  prospects  of  increased  usefulness 
opening  before  the  Society.  It  has  no  want  of  funds.  The 
chief  object  of  inquiry  is,  what  is  the  best  mode  of  dis- 
bursement ?  and  that  is  attended  to  with  the  utmost  care. 
William  Allen  and  Zachariah  Macauley  were  among  those 
who  attended  the  meeting.  The  former,  a  Quaker,  emi- 
nent for  benevolence  :  the  latter,  the  so  long  distinguished 
Editor  of  the  Christian  Observer. 

"  Tuesday,  April  29. — Breakfasted  with  the  Committee 
of  the  Religious  Tract  Society.  Having  various  avocations 
during  the  day,  the  Committee  resort  to  the  method  of 
meeting  at  an  early  hour,  taking  the  slight  refreshment  of 
a  cup  of  tea  with  bread  and  butter,  and  transacting  their 
committee  business  during  the  time  usually  allotted  to 
breakfast.  This,  while  it  affords  equal  opportunity  of  trans- 
acting their  business,  is  an  enconomy  of  time,  which  enables 
them  to  effect  more  than  would  otherwise  be  in  their 
power. 

"  The  Religious  Tract  Society  is  engaged  in  very  im- 
portant operations:  the  distribution  of  Tracts;  printing  of 
religious  books,  similar  to  those  issued  by  the  American 
Sunday-School  Union  ;  circulating  Magazines,  &c.  Much 
attention  is  paid  by  it  to  Ireland  ;  India  also  shares  largely 
in  its  attention. 

"  The  Committee  hold  a  prayer-meeting  once  a  quarter. 


416  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

This  morning  was  the  time  of  prayer.  In  consequence,  we 
assembled  at  seven,  an  hour  earlier  than  usual.  I  partici- 
pated in  the  exercises  with  pleasure. 

"  Spent  three  or  four  hours  of  this  day  at  the  west  end  of 
the  town,  delivering  letters,  6ic.  The  world  passed  in 
review  before  me.  An  incessant  train  of  carriages,  horse- 
men, and  persons  on  foot,  fatigued  the  eye.  Lords,  earls, 
gentlemen,  plain  citizens,  livery-servants,  carts,  gigs, 
ponies,  every  thing  that  goes  to  comprise  the  variety  of 
personages  and  vehicles,  were  mingled  in  the  continual 
throng.  The  most  gaudy  display  appeared  at  the  shop  win- 
dows ;  and  milliners,  drygoods,  china,  picture,  and  other 
merchants,  seemed  to  vie  with  each  other  in  their  efforts  to 
attract  the  gaze.  These  remarks  apply  chiefly  to  Regent 
street,  now  the  Bond  street  of  London.  Broadway  has  a 
similar  aspect,  though  not  equal  in  magnificence  of  build- 
ing ;  nor,  we  may  be  thankful  to  say,  equal  in  the  splen- 
dour of  equipage.  The  sun  shone  brightly  on  the  scene, 
and  never  had  I  a  more  vivid  view  of  the  world.  A  cofiin 
passed  along,  and  I  would  have  fain  spoken  with  a  voice 
which  all  might  hear,  and  said — memento  more. 

"  There  is  a  great  quiet  and  quite  rural  retirement  in 
very  many  of  the  streets  in  the  western  part  of  London. 
Regent  street,  however,  seems  to  know  no  quiet.  The 
squares,  in  the  midst  of  which  trees,  &;c.  are  placed,  are 
delightful  retreats.  One  might  live  in  them  very  plea- 
santly. I  saw  one  or  two  Philadelphians,  or  friends  of 
Philadelphians,  and  was  treated  with  much  kindness. 

"  Wednesday  morning,  April  ZQth. — Breakfasted  with 
Z.  Macauley,  Esq.  the  late  admirable  Editor  of  the  Christian 
Observer.  The  devotional  character  of  himself  and  house- 
hold appear  as  becomes  such  a  man.  We  were  much 
engaged  in  conversation  concerning  the  Colonization 
Society.  He  invited  me  to  an  anti-slavery  meeting,  to  be 
held  on  Saturday.     Walked  into  the  city  with  him,  enjoy- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN,  417 

ing  much  Christian  converse,  and  proceeded  to  another 
meeting  of  the  Committee  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society.  This  is  a  most  busy  period  with  all  the  Commit- 
tees, as  I  found  on  calling  also  at  the  Church  Missionary, 
and  Prayer-Book  and  Homily  Houses.  The  Committees 
understand  setting  foreigners  to  work,  as  well  as  working 
themselves.  I  am  under  many  engagements  already,  to 
attend  public  meetings.  Well,  so  far  as  the  Lord  enables 
me,  I  will  speak.  My  bodily  strength  I  must  be  careful 
of,  but  my  wish  is  to  serve  his  glorious  cause,  if  in  any  way 
he  is  pleased  to  make  me  instrumental. 

"  The  Church  of  England  ministers  and  laymen  assist 
at  the  Foreign  Missionary  meetings  of  Dissenters.  I  was 
taken  to  the  Anniversary  of  a  Wesleyan  Missionary  meet- 
ing in  the  evening;  thence  to  a  society  for  aiding  Sunday- 
schools,  composed  half  of  Dissenters  and  half  of  Church 
men.  Was  interested  at  both  these.  Made  a  few  observa- 
tions at  them  both  ;  chiefly  in  relation  to  American  pro- 
ceedings. The  V/esleyan  Society  has  incurred  a  deficit  in 
funds,  during  the  year  past,  amounting  to  two  thousand 
pounds.  They  have  no  want  of  men,  but  have  not  money. 
Some  other  societies  have  no  want  of  money,  but  want 
men. 

'*  I  saw  many  spoils  of  Pagan  lands,  the  Idols  brought 
from  among  the  heathen,  at  the  Wesleyan  Mission  House. 
The  celebrated  banker,  S.  Hoare,  Esq.,  was  in  the  chair  of 
the  Sunday-school  meeting.  Rev.  H.  A.  Budd,  and  other 
ministers  of  the  Establishment,  present ;  one  of  these  spoke 
of  having  four  hundred  Sunday-school  children  ;  devoting 
the  afternoon  to  them  in  the  Church,  and  preaching  morn- 
ing and  night. 

"  A  card  of  invitation  to  dine  with  Lord  Bexley,  whom 
1  had  not  seen,  has  surprised  me  a  little  ;  but  the  interest 
he  takes  in  the  progress  of  the  Bible  cause  in  distant  parts, 
of  the  world,  is  doubtless  the  occasion. 

n2 


418  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

^^  Friday,  May  2d,  half-past  eleven  o'clock. — At  a 
meeting  of  the  Committee  of  the  Prayer-Book  and  Homily 
Society,  the  President  of  the  Society,  Lord  Bexley,  in  the 
chair.  If  all  the  nobility  of  England  were  as  plain  in  their 
personal  appearance,  as  mild  and  agreeable  in  manner,  and 
as  unassuming  as  his  Lordship,  their  acquaintance  need 
not  be  shunned  by  the  sturdiest  republican.  Probably 
they  are  less  ostentatious  in  their  ordinary  apparel,  than 
many  who  are  not  in  possession  of  an  income  of  a  hundred 
dollars.  Lord  B.  enters  into  the  details  of  the  Prayer- 
Book  and  Homily  Society  with  much  interest,  and  evi- 
dently watches  over  its  progress,  as  he  does  also  over  the 
progress  of  the  Bible  and  Church  Missionary  Societies, 
with  paternal  care.  The  report  of  the  morning  was  very 
encouraging.  The  foreign  operations  of  the  society  are 
extremely  important.    Much  also  is  doing  by  it  for  seamen. 

"  One  o'clock,  P.  M. — Attended  the  Anniversary  of  the 
Irish  Society  :  the  Bishop  of  Litchfield  and  Coventry  in 
the  chair.  The  accounts  from  Ireland  prove  the  want  of 
the  labours  of  this  society.  Many  of  the  Irish  understand 
no  other  than  their  native  tongue,  and  the  object  of  the 
Irish  Society  is  to  enable  them  to  read  the  Scriptures  in 
that  tongue.  It  employs  school-masters,  in  many  instances 
Roman  Catholics,  whose  sole  object  is  to  teach  the  people 
to  read.  Then  copies  of  the  Scriptures  are  distributed, 
and  it  is  found  that  a  desire  to  read  them  increases  with 
the  ability.  Many  circumstances  were  mentioned,  show- 
ing the  deplorable  condition  of  those  Irish,  who  are  kept 
in  a  state  of  ignorance  by  the  priests,  and  debarred  from 
a  knowledge  of  the  Bible.  A  clergyman,  from  Ireland, 
related  several  anecdotes,  as  having  occurred  during  the 
last  year,  and  within  the  field  of  his  own  labours.  He  stated, 
that  pilgrimages  were  frequently  made  ;  persons  go  around 
certain  wells,  accounted  holy,  on  their  knees,  with  the  vain 
hope  of  obtaining  the  pardon  of  sin  ;  they  go  also  up  and 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  419 

down  sharp-pointed  rocks,  on  their  knees,  in  the  same  hope. 
The  priests  pretend  to  perform  miracles,  and  do  all  that  in 
them  lies  to  keep  the  Word  of  God  out  of  the  hands  of  the 
people.  The  Irish  venerate  their  language  in  a  very  high 
degree ;  they  have  a  saying  among  them,  that  Satan  can 
speak  every  other  tongue,  but  he  cannot  speak  Irish.  In 
one  village  visited  by  a  clergyman,  who  spoke,  he  invited 
the  people  to  hear  him  lecture.  They  attended,  but  insisted 
upon  it  that  he  should  put  out  the  candle,  lest  it  should  be 
known  who  they  were,  and  their  names  reported  to  the 
priests,  and  they  be  ex-communicated  the  next  Sunday. 
The  clergyman  put  out  the  candle,  but  read  a  chapter  by 
fire  light,  and  lectured,  speaking  to  them  concerning  the 
importance  of  their  having  the  Scriptures. 

"  The  next  evening  they  attended  again.  But  the  day 
after  the  second  lecture,  three  priests  went  among  them, 
and  threatened  very  severely.  Still  the  people  came  the 
third  night,  only  choosing  a  later  hour,  so  that  they  might 
avoid  the  priests  discovering  who  they  were.  The  priests, 
on  the  next  Sunday,  anathematised  severely;  but  the  peo- 
ple continued  to  desire  Bible  instruction.  Verily  there  is 
a  good  work  of  reformation  advancing  in  Ireland.  I  was 
privileged  with  being  silent  at  this  meeting.  I  attended 
unexpectedly,  and  was  unknown  to  almost  every  one 
present. 

"  It  is  a  world  indeed,  this  London  ;  a  man  may  traverse 
it  for  a  long  period,  and  become  familiar  with  faces  and 
persons  almost  innumerable  in  it,  and  yet  be  almost  a  stran* 
ger.  Dined  with  a  pleasant  Quaker  family  at  the  West 
End,  where  quiet  reigned  in  the  squares  and  streets  around, 
as  well  as  within  the  dwelling. 

"  The  Lord  be  praised  for  all  the  mercies  of  this  day. 
The  gracious  and  merciful  Lord  be  pleased  to  bless  the 
whole  human  family,  for  Christ  Jesus'  sake.     Amen. 

"  Saturday,  May  3. — I  little  anticipated  the  satisfaction 


420  MEMOIU  OF  THE 

I  have  been  permitted  this  day  to  enjoy.  I  have  just  re- 
turned from  a  meeting  of  the  Anti-slavery  Society,  where  I 
have  seen,  heaid,  and,  in  part,  became  acquainted  with  men 
who  form  a  constellation,  indeed.  Wilberforce,  whose 
name  I  have  ever  thought  his  eulogy,  came  from  the  '  winter 
of  sickness'  renewed  sufficiently  to  speak  once  more  upon 
the  theme  he  has  always  espoused.  To  see  and  to  hear 
him  was  to  me  a  source  of  unmingled  delight ;  but  one  who 
merely  looked  at  him  would  scarcely  suppose  he  was  the 
man  we  know  him  to  be.  Small  in  person,  his  head  is 
almost  bowed  upon  his  breast ;  when  he  speaks,  he  has  to 
make  an  effort  to  keep  his  body  in  an  erect  position.  His 
voice  is  loud  when  fully  sent  forth,  but  at  present  it  is 
doubtless  inferior  to  what  it  was  in  younger  years.  The 
loudest  acclamations  accompanied  his  movements ;  when 
he  rose,  and  when  he  sat  down,  it  was  amid  a  thunder  of 
applause ;  and  when,  as  was  often  the  case,  the  various 
speakers  alluded  to  him  in  terms  which  would  have  been 
extravagant,  if  they  had  not  been  true,  their  allusions  were 
attended  with  the  strongest  tokens  of  reciprocal  feeling  on 
the  part  of  the  assemblage.  Z.  Macauly,  Esq.  having  intro- 
duced me  to  him,  he  desired  me  to  breakfast  with  him  ;  a 
pleasure  I  anticipate  with  great  satisfaction.  I  had  rather 
know  Wilberforce  than  any  monarch  in  Europe.  The 
power  of  piety  is,  in  his  circumstances,  remarkably  mani- 
fest. A  feeble,  decrepid  old  man,  thus  to  hold,  in  chains  of 
strong  attachment,  the  Christian  world  !  Who  does  not  see, 
in  true  religion,  something  more  valuable  than  in  wealth  or 
honour.  May  my  sons  imitate  the  example  of  Wilberforce, 
so  far,  and  that  is  to  great  extent,  as  he  has  followed  Christ. 
I  keep  the  card  upon  which  he  wrote  his  name  and  address, 
as  a  slight  memorial. 

"  Brougham,  and  Sir  James  M'^Intosh,  also  addressed  the 
meeting.  Brougham  has  much  the  appearance  of  Henry 
Clay  ;  his  countenance,  however,  is  more  sallow :  he  has, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  421 

when  seated,  a  twitching  of  the  nerves  of  the  face,  which 
gives  to  his  upper  lip,  &c.  a  slight,  but  frequent  motion. 
M'Intosh  spoke  with  great  energy.  He  is  a  tall  man,  well 
proportioned  ;  his  speech  not  remarkable.  It  was,  however, 
short.  The  longest  and  most  forcible  speaker  was  Mr. 
Denman,  Recorder  of  London,  late  an  active  member  of 
Parliament.  I  have  seldom  heard  a  more  eloquent  speech 
than  his.  There  was  fire,  beauty,  force  ;  all  who  were  pre- 
sent felt  the  sentiments  he  uttered,  and  not  the  slightest 
sensation  of  weariness  was  occasioned  by  his  speech,  not- 
withstanding its  length.  He  answered  some  parts  of  a 
pamphlet  recently  published  in  the  West-Indies  ;  addressed 
Mr.  Wilberforce,  and  dwelt  at  large  upon  the  results  of  his 
labours  ;  alluding,  in  part,  to  the  amelioration  of  the  condi- 
tion of  the  slave ;  spoke  of  the  reigning  family  as  having 
been  brought  to  the  throne  of  this  country  by  its  attach- 
ment to  liberty  ;  commented  upon  the  conduct  of  the  colo- 
nial legislatures,  &:c.  The  fact  appears  to  be,  that  the 
government  of  England  directed  the  abolition  of  Sunday 
markets  in  the  West-Indies;  the  encouragement  of  marriage, 
now  almost  wholly  neglected,  and  various  other  measures 
calculated  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  slave.  The  West 
Indians  resisted  these  directions.  Government  is  now 
called  upon  by  the  people  of  England,  to  go  on  with  its 
holy  work,  of  elevating  the  slave  to  the  enjoyment  of  the 
privileges  of  the  Gospel.  The  society  looks  also  to  the 
abolition  of  slavery.  Not  by  hasty  measures,  nor  by  the 
destruction  of  all  title  to  property,  on  the  part  of  the  owners 
of  slaves :  but  by  a  gradual  procedure,  and  often  remune- 
rating the  owners.  May  the  grand  work  advance.  It  is 
quite  as  necessary  to  the  comfort  of  the  master,  as  of  the 
slave.  The  'curse  of  slavery'  is  an  awful  injury  to  the 
southern  states,  and  the  owners  of  slaves  are  beginning  to 
feel  it.  Mr.  Wilberforce  spoke  of  the  efforts  of  the  Colo- 
nization Society,  and  of  the  settlement  at  Liberia,  with  much 


422  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

interest.  This,  however,  during  the  conversation  we  had 
after  the  meeting.  The  Hon.  and  Rev.  Gerard  Noel  spoke 
with  much  force  and  effect ;  as  did  also  the  Rev.  author  of 
the  Velvet  Cushion,  World  without  Souls,  &;c.,  J.  W.  Cun- 
ningham. His  Royal  Highness,  the  Duke  of  Gloucester, 
occupied  the  chair.  He  addressed  the  meeting  at  its  close 
with  considerable  animation ;  pledging  himself  to  co-ope- 
rate in  promoting  the  objects  of  the  society  to  the  utmost 
of  his  power.  His  personal  appearance  is  plain  ;  he  wears 
only  a  slight  badge  ;  not  as  much  as  an  ensign  or  lieutenant 
usually  wears.  His  manner  was  pleasing  and  conciliatory. 
Noblemen  and  royalty  seem,  on  ordinary  occasions,  to  make 
less  parade  than  pretended  gentlemen.  Among  the  other 
speakers  was  Mr.  Buxton,  another  distinguished  Parliament 
man.  Almost  all  who  engaged,  indeed,  were  leading  poli- 
ticians, or  parliament  men.  Mr.  Wilberforce  has  retired 
from  public  life ;  his  day  in  the  house  of  commons,  how- 
ever, was  long  and  brilliant. 

"  The  platform  of  these  public  meetings  is  the  place  to 
form  acquaintance  with  the  choice  spirits  of  the  land.  Mr. 
Noel  introduced  me  to  his  brothei,  Baptist  Noel.  I  met 
also,  several  others,  who  are  engaged  in  the  vineyard  of  the 
Lord.  Mr.  G.  Noel  spoke  of  Mr.  King,  the  Palestine  mis- 
sionary, being  at  his  house.  The  ministers  of  the  Church 
of  England  are  more  Catholic  than  Protestant  Episcopalians, 
and  far  more  disposed  to  hail  the  good  of  every  name.  May 
we  Americans  learn  of  them  in  that  particular. 

"  Sunday,  May  4th. — Saw  a  Methodist  congregation 
worshipping  in  the  use  of  the  Liturgy,  and  joined  them  in 
its  use.  Heard  a  superior  sermon,  preached  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Watson,  of  Manchester,  as  introductory  to  the  missionary 
meeting  of  the  following  day.  He  unfolded  the  value  of 
the  Scriptures,  and  urged  the  duty  of  spreading  them  to 
the  utmost  boundaries  of  the  human  family.  In  the  after- 
noon was  taken  to  St.  Paul's  Cathedral,  and,  located  for  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  423 

time,  in  one  of  the  stalls  thereof,  joined  in  the  service  once 
more.  As  at  Westminster  Abbey,  the  whole  service  is 
chaunted,  except  the  lessons.  I  confess  I  cannot  approve 
of  this,  on  various  accounts.  The  congregation,  not  being 
trained  to  it,  find  it  difficult  to  unite.  Solemnity  is,  to  a 
considerable  extent,  wanting.  True,  the  worshippers  in 
the  temple  chaunted  the  Psalms :  but  had  they  their  tunes 
set  to  the  prayers  1  It  is  only  in  the  Cathedrals,  and  a  few 
other  places,  perhaps,  that  this  practice  obtains.  The 
preacher  gave  rather  an  uncertain  sound.  But  in  the  eve- 
ning I  went  to  the  house,  and  thence  to  the  Church  of  one 
whose  preaching  went  to  my  very  soul.  He  is  Rector  of 
two  united  parishes  in  the  heart  of  the  city  :  his  name  is 
Watkins.  Grown  gray  in  the  service  of  his  Lord,  he 
breathes  a  mild,  affectionate  spirit,  suited  to  win  ;  and  his 
earnest  entreaties  to  the  soul,  combined  with  the  wisdom 
of  his  Christian  experience,  make  him  truly  profitable. 
The  unaffected  tenderness  of  his  manner,  together  with  his 
simplicity,  unlocks  the  affections.  I  loved  him,  and  I  lis- 
tened to  him  with  much  pleasure.  No  greatness,  no  strik- 
ing attainments,  mark  his  character:  he  is  a  Christian  pas- 
tor. In  his  sermon,  which  was  extempore,  he  was  profitable 
to  me,  and  I  thanked  God  for  the  instruction.  Thus  a 
merciful  Father  meets  us,  counselling,  encouraging,  and 
comforting  us,  from  time  to  time,  as  our  souls  need. 

"  Returned  to  my  home  at  night,  where  I  found  all  things, 
except  my  family.  The  solitary  character  of  a  London  life 
is  unpleasant :  even  more  unpleasant  from  the  want  of 
society,  than  our  boarding-houses  in  America.  The  ordi- 
nary custom  is  to  become  the  occupant  of  apartments  without 
any  intercourse  with  any  member  of  the  family.  Breakfast 
is  taken,  usually,  alone  ;  often  at  a  coffee-house.  This  soli- 
tary living  is  rather  disagreeable.  But  there  is  peculiar 
comfort  in  my  lot, — so  numerous  are  my  Christian  acquaint- 
ances, that  I  very  seldom  eat  alone.     Three  invitations  to 


424  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

dine  are  sometimes  given  me  on  the  same  day.  The  Lord 
is  gracious  to  me  in  every  thing. 

"  I  now  sit  writing  with  the  sun  shining  pleasantly  upon 
me — trees  before  my  window — birds  singing,  and  perfectly 
quiet,  though  in  the  heart  of  London.  It  is  a  place  to 
which  clergymen  are  in  the  habit  of  resorting,  as  a  private 
dwelling,  when  visiting  the  city — Wardrobe  Place,  Doc- 
tor's Commons. 

"  7'he  first  four  days  of  the  week,  beginning  with  May  5, 
were  busy  days  to  me.  On  the  morning  of  Monday  break- 
fasted at  the  abode  of  a  very  hospitable  family,  and  accom- 
panied it  to  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Wesleyan  Missionary 
Society.  The  Earl  of  Mount  Cashel,  an  Irish  nobleman, 
of  the  Established  Church,  who  spoke  at  the  meeting, 
interested  me  very  much.  He  was  very  much  like  William 
Meade,  in  the  simplicity  of  his  dress,  appearance,  and 
manner.  His  family  are  very  numerous,  and  he  is,  like 
Wm.  M.,  labouring  indefatigably  for  their  conversion,  as 
well  as  for  the  conversion  of  his  countrymen  in  general. 
Sir  George  Rose,  Baronet,  bore  testimony  to  the  value  of 
the  Wesleyan  Missionaries  as  labourers  among  the  slaves 
in  the  West  Indies.  He  too  is  a  member  of  the  Church  of 
England,  and  stated  it  during  his  speech.  Foreign  Mis- 
sions occupy  the  undivided  attention  of  this  society.  It 
has  experienced  much  of  the  blessings  of  the  Most  High 
in  its  missions  in  South  Africa,  Ceylon,  &c.  &c.  There 
were  several  missionaries  present,  some  of  whom  delivered 
most  interesting  speeches.  The  wilderness  blossoms 
wherever  the  Gospel  is  carried. 

"  A  want  of  funds  is  felt  by  this  Society.  A  falling  off 
of  2000Z.  was  stated  as  having  occurred  during  the  past 
year,  chiefly  in  the  item  of  legacies,  however.  One  Me- 
thodist minister  present  at  the  meeting,  told  me  he  was  the 
oldest  minister  in  the  connexion  then  living,  and  he  looked 
to  Dr.  Pilmore  as  his  spiritual  father.     Others  spoke  of  the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  425 

Dr.  with  deep  interest.  I  was  announced  to  the  meeting 
as  his  successor. 

"  In  the  evening,  after  tea,  with  my  friend,  Rev.  Mr.  W., 

rector  of ,  went  to  hear  the  Bishop  of  Winchester. 

Thanks  be  to  God,  for  such  a  bishop  of  the  Church  of  En- 
gland! He  is  a  most  fervent,  spiritual  man.  I  listened  with 
delight.  The  Church  scarce  afforded  room  to  stand,  so 
great  was  the  concourse.  Multitudes  went  away  unable  to 
enter  at  all.  The  sermon  was  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church 
Missionary  Society  :  collection  240Z.  On  my  being  intro- 
duced by  the  Rev.  E.  Noel  to  the  Bishop,  in  the  vestry- 
room,  he  inquired  most  affectionately  for  Bishop  Chase, 
expressing  a  warm  interest  in  his  prosperity. 

"Having  named  the  Hon.  and  Rev.  G.  Noel,  I  will  pause 
to  say,  that  though  perhaps  at  some  future  time  they  may 
see  what  I  write,  the  brothers  of  that  man,  together  with 
himself,  have  laid  hold  of  my  affections  with  great  power. 
They,  for  piety,  unaffected  simplicity  of  piety,  are  most 
superior.  I  love  them,  and  they  must  excuse  me  for  say- 
ing thus  publicly,  that  I  do  love  them  sincerely.  Three  of 
the  four  brothers  in  the  ministry  I  saw.  They  occupy  a 
a  high  station  in  the  hearts  of  Christians  here,  and  the 
grace  of  God  conspicuously  shines  in  them.  They  are  the 
sons  of  a  pious  mother.  Observing  attentively  pious  min- 
isters of  the  Church  of  England,  1  must  say  their  standard 
of  piety  appears  to  be  higher  than  our's  in  America.  The 
choice  spirits  of  the  Church  of  England  are  choice  spirits 
indeed.  I  could  live  and  die  among  them.  There  appears 
more  of  the  loveliness  of  piety  in  their  character,  than  in 
the  character  of  many  highly  esteemed  on  our  side  of  the 
water. 

"  On  the  morn  of  Tuesday,  6th  of  May,  attended  at 
breakfast  with  one  hundred  or  more,  chiefly  clergymen. 
After  breakfast,  one  of  the  clergymen  prayed,  a  second  ex- 
pounded, a  third  prayed.     The  prayers,  extempore  as  they 

00 


426  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

were,  were  rich  in  fervour  and  in  every  thing  befitting 
prayen  It  was  a  delightful  season.  This  clerical  prayer- 
meeting  over,  adjourned  to  Freemason's  Hall,  in  which  the 
Church  Missionary  meeting  was  held.  No  persons  except 
Churchmen  attended  the  breakfast,  and  not  many  Dissen- 
ters attended  the  Missionary  meeting.  Captain  Vernon, 
son  of  the  Archbishop  of  York,  and  very  many  of  the  clergy 
of  the  city,  were  at  the  breakfast.  In  the  meeting  appeared 
the  Bishops  of  Winchester,  of  Litchfield  and  Coventry,  and 

of  Sodor  and  Mann, Ward,  Bishop  Chase's  friend. 

All  three  spoke.  Lord  Gambier  was  in  the  chair.  In  the 
report  it  was  stated  that  a  deficit  of  2000Z.  had  occurred 
in  the  funds,  chiefly  in  the  item  of  legacies.  The  deficit 
had  a  powerful  effect  on  Mr.  Wilberforce,  the  first  speaker. 
It  seemed  as  if  the  energy  of  youth  had  returned  to  him, 
and  he  made  an  appeal  to  the  assembly  of  the  greatest  force. 
I  took  occasion  to  select  as  the  text  to  my  address,  a  pro- 
posal which  had  been  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Bickersteth,  the 
Secretary,  that  lOOOZ.  should  be  contributed  before  the 
meeting  broke  up.  I  told  them  of  the  circumstance  of 
W^illiam  Eldred's  willingness,  when  among  the  mountains 
of  West  Pennsylvania,  to  give  §1000  for  the  privilege  of 
attending  these  meetings ;  and  read  from  a  manuscript 
found  among  his  papers,  the  expression,  in  beautiful  lan- 
guage, of  that  wish.  I  alluded  to  A.  Tappan's  ofi'er  of 
SIOOO  to  the  Milnor  Professorship ;— to  8100,000  having 
been  subscribed  for  missions  at  a  single  meeting  of  a  few 
per^jis  in  New-York. 

"jThese  things,  especially  the  subscriptions  last  stated, 
bad  a  powerful  eflfect.  The  announcement  immediately 
followed  of  251.  sterling  a  year  for  fve  years — the  New- 
York  term — from  one  individual.  Lord  Bexley  summoned 
England  to  renewed  efl^brts,  lest  it  should  be  beaten  in  the 
labour  of  love  by  America.  These  rencounters,  if  they 
may  be  called  so,  are  delightful  :  they  cement  Christians 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  427 

far  removed  from  each  other,  in  the  closest  bonds.     Well, 
then,  may  we  provoke  to  increased  good  works. 

"  Let  such  be  the  rivalry  between  England  and  America  ! 
Then  will  the  wilderness  be  made  to  blossom  more  speedily 
and  more  abundantly.  The  greatest  degree  of  Christian 
feeling  marked  the  meeting.  Humble,  devoted,  fervent 
piety,  manifested  itself;  and  all  could  say,  it  is  good  to  be 
here.  Including  two  hundred  and  forty  pounds,  collected 
the  preceding  evening  at  the  Church,  the  sum  of  eight 
hundred  pounds  was  added  to  the  funds  of  the  society  at 
this  anniversary — more  than  three  thousand  dollars.  Tues- 
day, at  dinner,  at  Lord  Bexley's,  met  Mr.  Leeves,  late  of 
Constantinople;  Mr.  Thomason,  of  Calcutta;  and  another 
missionary  from  the  East  Indies.  Miss  Vansittart,  Lord  B.'s 
sister,  is  eminent  for  good  works.  Bishop  Chase  was 
spoken  of  again  with  warm  affection.  All  appear  anxious 
for  his  prusperity,  and  impressed  with  much  respect  for  his 
character.  Every  where  do  I  hear  him  spoken  of  in  man- 
ner the  most  striking.  He  made,  indeed,  a  powerful 
impression  in  favour  of  American  Churchmen."     *     *     * 

"  Intelligence  of  Christian  operations,  in  various  parts  of 
the  world,  was  diffused  by  conversation ;  and  a  pleasant 
evening  passed  in  the  Christian  mansion.  Many  a  clergy- 
man might  learn  from  his  Lordship  much  that  is  important. 
In  his  very  countenance,  as  in  that  of  the  Bishop  of  Win- 
chester, is  seen  much  that  is  lovely.  I  rejoice,  that  if  not 
many,  at  least  a  few  of  the  great  and  noble  are  called.  The 
time,  we  know,  will  come,  when  even  kings  shall  be  nurs- 
ing fathers,  and  queens  nursing  mothers  to  the  Christian 
Church.  The  Lord  hasten  the  day  when  all  shall  know 
him,  from  the  least  even  to  the  greatest  among  men. 

"  I  discover  every  where  the  most  paternal  feelings 
towards  America.  Not  even  an  unkind  expression  have 
I  heard.  If  governments  will  let  us,  we  shall  be  at  peace 
in  all  respects.     However  governments  differ,  Christians 


428  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

will  love  one  another  throughout  the  world.  I  know  not  a 
more  unworthy  act  than  that  of  traducing  and  calumniating 
a  whole  people,  as  reviewers  and  travellers  sometimes  do. 
Let  the  real  state  of  the  case  be  known,  and  it  will  no 
doubt  be  discovered,  that  notwithstanding  prejudice,  the 
body  of  the  really  respectable,  in  different  nations,  highly 
esteem  each  other.  Christian  societies  increase  that 
mutual  esteem.  They  have  destroyed  much  of  the  preju- 
dice formerly  existing  between  even  Englishmen  and 
Frenchmen." 

The  following  editorial  in  the  Magazine  is  still  retained — 

"  After  the  excessive  labours  and  toils  through  which 
our  friend  cheerfully  passed,  on  this  side  the  water,  and 
under  which  his  frail  body  had  well  nigh  sunk,  it  must 
have  been  truly  grateful,  immediately  upon  his  arrival  in 
England,  to  have  mingled  in  those  scenes  of  benevolence 
and  piety,  and  to  have  witnessed^  at  the  anniversaries  of 
the  most  conspicuous  institutions  of  the  age,  such  an  assem- 
blage of  power,  talent,  and  godliness,  as  came  up  from 
every  clime,  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the  mighty. 
May  the  continued  blessings  of  our  Heavenly  Father  still 
attend  him  in  all  his  ways,  until  he  arrives  at  '  that  house, 
not  made  with  hands  eternal  in  the  Heavens,' " 

My  brother's  journal  continues — 

"  Wednesday,  1th  May.- — Attended  the  meeting  of  the 
British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  A  most  imposing 
assembly :  consisting  of  eminent  men  gathered  out  of  all 
parts  of  the  kingdom.  About  two  thousand  were  present, 
and  multitudes  shut  out  for  want  of  room.  No  ladies.  The 
same  Bishops  were  present  as  at  the  Church  Missionary 
meeting.  No  body  of  men,  that  ever  I  beheld,  appeared 
to  me  so  grand.  The  moral  grandeur  of  such  a  Christian 
assemblage  surpasses  all  the  external  pomp  ever  known. 
Plainness  and  simplicity  were  conspicuous  in  the  personal 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  429 

appearance  of  all.  Tlie  grandeur  was  the  grandeur  of  the 
Gospel — the  grandeur  adhering  to  the  soul.  The  Bishops 
all  spoke,  as  did  several  noblemen.  The  Bishop  of  Litch- 
field, a  most  zealous  vigilant  Bishop,  hoped  his  right  hand 
might  forget  its  cunning,  if  ever  it  signed  his  recantation 
from  the  Bible  Society. 

"  The  Earl  of  Harrowby,  one  who  refused  the  office  of 
Prime-minister,  and  a  most  conspicuous  statesman,  spoke 
to  declare  his  decided  attachment.  Lord  Teignmouth  pre- 
sided, though  evidently  feeble  in  health.  Mr.  Wilberforce 
addressed  the  meeting  also — he  always  overflows  with 
affection.  His  address  to  Lord  T.  was,  My  dear  Lord, 
continually.  He  was  received  in  the  warmest  manner. 
Having  made  a  statement  of  what  was  doing  in  America, 
at  present,  by  Bible  Societies,  I  was  followed  by  Lord  B., 
who  called  upon  the  members  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society  to  arouse,  lest  the  Bible  Societies  of  the 
United  States,  instead  of  being  their  *  auxiliaries'  should 
become  their  '  masters.'  He  dwelt  for  some  time  upon 
the  subject.  The  greatest  degree  of  good  feeling  was  all 
the  while  manifest.  Indeed,  we  are  provoking  the  English 
to  redoubled  efforts.     May  the  Lord  bless  us  all. 

"  The  statement  made  by  me,  of  the  resolution  of  the 
young  men.  in  January,  to  supply  every  destitute  family  in 
Philadelphia  by  the  1st  of  March,  was,  as  in  several  pre- 
vious Bible  meetings,  received  with  acclamations.  May 
these  acclamations  be  increased  by  effort  on  the  part  of 
British  Christians.  The  funds  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society  have  experienced  a  deficit  also :  though, 
since  31st  of  March,  since  the  accounts  for  the  year  were 
made  up,  the  additions  to  the  funds  have  made  the  year's 
receipts  about  equal  to  last  year. 

"  On  Wednesday  afternoon,  I  was  was  taken  to  Clapham, 
distant  five  miles ;  and  passed  the  night  at  the  house  of  a 
very  wealthy,  and  equally  hospitable  and  Christian  friend : 
o2 


430  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

a  sort  of  Gaius.  Clapham  has  been  blessed  with  the 
labours  of  Venn,  whose  sermons  we  read  in  America,  and 
was  the  dwelling  place  of  Henry  Thornton.  I  visited  the 
tomb  of  the  latter  :  contemplated  it  (the  same  tomb  con- 
tains the  remains  of  John  Thornton)  with  the  liveliest 
interest.  Two  more  useful  men  it  would  be  difficult  to 
find.  The  Lord  be  praised  for  their  lives  and  triumphant 
deaths.  Most  delightful  anecdotes  were  told  me  by  the 
present  Rector  of  the  parish,  as  we  walked,  the  next  morn- 
ing, along  with  one  of  the  Noel's,  to  the  city. 

"  Thursday. — Breakfasted  at  the  venerable  and  excellent 
benefactor  of  man,  the  affectionate  Wilberforce.  Ellis,  a 
missionary  well  known,  once  in  the  Sandwich  Islands,  in 
New  Zealand  also,  was  with  us :  and  a  Missionary,  who 
had  before  him  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  appointments 
in  Ireland — to  visit,  encourage,  and  form  Christian  Socie- 
ties. Part  of  Mr.  W.'s  family  accompanied  me  to  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  Prayer-book  and  Homily  Society. 
Lord  Bexley,  towards  whom  I  feel  as  a  friend,  presided. 
He  again  alluded  to  America  in  terms  the  most  respectful^ 
and  spoke  of  Bishop  ^Chase  with  affection.  The  fact  that 
no  Episcopal  congregation  had  been  swept  away  by  heresy, 
since  the  organization  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  America,  excited  much  interest.  This  Society  is  doing 
much  for  Ireland,  and  in  the  East.  Assuredly  the  work  of 
reformation  is  advancing  in  Ireland.  Proofs  of  this  are 
stated  every  where.  Ten  thousand  a  year,  said  Lord 
Mount  Cashel,  at  another  meeting,  have  been  reformed 
from  Popery.  Tracts,  Prayer-books,  and  Bibles,  are  now 
called  for  in  every  direction.  Ireland  is  certainly  chang- 
ing from  Popery  to  Protestantism.  Lord  B.  is  hardly  a 
fair  specimen  of  the  Christians  of  the  Church  of  England, 
for  he  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  I  ever  saw.  Rev.  D. 
Wilson,  Hon.  and  Rev.  J.  F.  Noel,  Jr.  addressed  the  meet- 
ing ;  Rev.  W.  Sibthorpe  alluded  happily  and  forcibly  to  the 


.  KEV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  431 

practice  of  responding  being  so  much  more  general,  in  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  of  America,  than  in  the 
Church  of  England. 

"  As  I  was  passing  along  the  Strand,  Friday  morning, 

met  unexpectedty  Mr.   S ,   a    well-known   merchant 

of  Philadelphia,  just  returned  from  France;  where,  with 
his  family,  he  had  been  for  some  time  travelling.  Visited 
his  family  immediately,  and  talked  for  some  time  concerning 
home.  They  unfortunately  had  scarce  heard  a  good  sermon 
since  leaving  home — having  been  in  various  parts  of  the 
continent,  and  perhaps  not  familiar  with  its  languages. 
Arrangements  at  once  were  made  to  enable  them  to  hear 
good  preaching  next  Sunday. 

"I  returned  to  Mr.  Wilberforce's,  to  dinner  on  Thurs- 
day, by  request,  but  found  myself  a^ain  there  this  (Friday) 
morning.     Peculiar    circumstances,   connected   with    the 
meeting  of  to-day,  were  the  means  of  occasioning  it ;  but 
God  was  the  cause  :  for  the  family  assemblage  of  the  morn- 
ing resulted  in  a  measure  most  promising  for  Kenyon  Col- 
lege.    1  found  Lord  Gambler  with  Mr.  W.  and  speaking, 
as   all    these    pious  people    in    the   Church    are    inclined 
to  do,   of  Bishop  Chase ;  it  was  proposed  by  Mr.  Wilber- 
force,  that,  in  consequence  of  a  wish  on  the  part  of  many 
to  contribute  books  for  Kenyon  College,  an  agent,  resident 
in  London,   should  be  appointed  to  receive  them :  and  a 
Committee,    of  which  Lord  Gambler  should  be  chairman, 
should  announce  the  fact  to  the  public.     I  urged  the  use- 
fulness of  this,  for  it  appeared  to  me,  that  the  names  of 
Gambler,  Wilberforce,  &c.,  will  ensure  the  gift  of  a  thou- 
sand  volumes.  The  result  was,  a  completion  of  the  arrange- 
ment.    Some  bookseller  is  to  be  appointed ;  and  through 
the  blessing  of  God,  on   the  morning's  interview,  I  hope 
Bishop  C.  will  see  many  a  Christian  volume  come  into  the 
library  of  Kenyon  College.  The  blessing  of  the  Most  High 
rest  upon  that  Institution;  and  upon  my  dear  boy,  who  now 


432  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

is  there.     The  Lord  raise  him  up,  a  burning,  and  shining 
light ! 

"  I  went  with  Mr.  Wilberforce  in  his  carriage,  to  the 
meeting  of  the  Society  for  promoting  Christianity  among 
the  children  of  Jacob.  The  children  instructed  in  the 
London  school  of  this  Society,  assembled  in  the  gallery  of 
the  hall,  where  the  meeting  was  held,  and  sang  hosannah 
to  the  Son  of  David.  Truly  interesting  was  the  sight  of 
nearly  one  hundred  Jewish  children,  singing  thus.  I  blessed 
God  for  what  I  saw.  The  excellent  Basil  Woodd  addressed 
the  children.  Sir  Thomas  Baring  took  the  chair.  Simeon 
of  Cambridge,  with  many  others,  addressed  the  meeting. 
Four  times  already  had  I  spoken  in  public  during  the  week  ; 
but  a  fifth  time  being  called  upon,  I  addressed  a  few  sen- 
tences to  the  meeting.  These  meetings  do  not  return  again 
till  next  year.  A  little  effort  is  called  for,  therefore,  to 
endeavour  to  impart  such  information,  concerning  America 
more  especially,  as  may  be  in  my  power.  Not  able  to 
preach,  I  must,  by  my  friends  at  home,  be  allowed  in  this 
Jubilee,  to  lift  my  voice  a  little.  As  I  really  am  improving 
in  health,  it  is,  perhaps,  best  for  me  to  do  a  little.  The  hard 
work  of  being  idle  altogether,  is  far  more  trying  than  severe 
duties.  The  Lord  pardon,  sanctify,  make  use  of,  and  bless 
me.  Returning  with  Mr.  Wilberforce,  passed  a  delightful 
afternoon  in  company  with  his  amiable  family  ;  about  sunset 
took  a  walk  through  St.  James'  Park,  round  Westminster 
Abbey,  which  Mrs.  W.  pointed  out,  as  we  walked,  the 
abode  of  Mr.  W.  at  the  time  he  gained  the  abolition 
triumph. 

"  Goodness  and  mercy  have  followed  me  thus  far.  The 
Lord  be  praised. 

^'■Sunday,  May  llth. — Accompanied  some  American 
friends  to  hear  the  aged  Rowland  Hill.  This  minister,  now 
in  his  eighty-fourth  year,  preaches  with  as  loud  a  voice, 
uud  apparently  with  almost  as  much  energy,  as  in  youth- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  433 

He  has  lost  none  of  his  eccentricities.  In  the  beginning 
of  his  address,  he  alluded  to  certain  persons  coming  in 
late,  saying,  '  We  allow  the  pews  to  be  free  to  all  after  the 
close  of  the  second  lesson  ;  but  some  have  come  in  late, 
and  crowded  themselves  into  pews  that  were  full.  Now 
there  are  only  three  classes  of  persons  whom  we  allow  to 
come  in  late,  viz.  the  invalids  who  cannot  attend  during 
the  whole  of  the  service ;  the  doctor  or  medical  man,  who 
is  obliged  to  see  his  patients ;  and  the  bigotted  dissenter, 
who  cannot  hear  a  little  of  a  good  prayer  out  of  a  good 
Prayer-book.'  The  sermon  he  preached  led  him  to  speak 
of  the  promise,  that  '  no  ravenous  beast'  should  walk  in  the 
'highway.'  Indeed,  those  words  were  part  of  his  text. 
After  describing  certain  classes  of  pretended  Christians, 
under  the  emblem  of  lions,  &c.,  he  warned  his  people 
against  being  like  the  fox,  or  the  monkey.  *  A  fox  in  the 
pulpit'  he  deprecated  above  all.  The  monkey  tribe  he 
spoke  of,  as  those  given  to  vain  extravagance,  in  dress,  &c. 
Many  profitable  sayings  were  uttered  by  him,  and  many  of 
his  quaint  expressions  are  likely  to  be  long  remembered. 
He  undoubtedly  has  been  very  useful,  and  has,  blessed  be 
God,  lived  to  see  a  great  improvement  in  the  Church  in 
which  he  was  ordained  a  minister,  and  the  Liturgy  of  which 
is  still  used  in  his  Chapel.  Surry  Chapel,  in  which  he 
preaches,  is  circular  in  its  form,  and  accommodates  in  its 
numerous  free  seats  many  of  the  poor. 

"In  the  afternoon  attended  service  at  St.  Stephen's, 
Walbrook,  immediately  in  the  rear  of  the  mansion-house, 
or  dvi^elling  of  the  Lord  Mayor.  The  Church  is  beautiful 
in  its  interior,  but  was  attended  by  very  few  persons : 
although,  in  the  sermon,  by  an  excellent  clergyman,  a  sound 
impressive  lesson  was  contained.  A  Presbyterian,  who  was 
with  me,  commended  the  discourse  highly.  Indeed,  the 
Articles  of  the  Church  of  England  are  beginning  to  appear 
in  her  pulpits,  as  well  as  the  volume  containing  her  Liturgy. 


434  MEMOIR  OP  THE 

'Tis  chiefly  the  fault  of  the  ministers  of  the  Church,  that 
there  are  any  dissenters.  Her  doctrines  are  so  accordant 
with  the  Word  of  God,  that  all  are  constrained  to  confess 
their  excellence :  but  from  those  doctrines  many,  both  in 
England  and  America,  have  most  shamefully  departed. 

"  In  the  evening,  attempted,  with  others,  to  obtain  the 
privilege  of  attending  service,  but  by  detention  to  too  late 
an  hour,  we  were  deprived.  The  two  Churches  visited  by 
us  in  succession  were  just  about  closing.  Immense  con- 
gregations attended  at  both  those  Churches.  In  one  of  them, 
the  Bishop  of  Litchfield  and  Coventry  preached :  in  the 
other,  a  clergyman  unknown  to  us.  I  was  told  this  eve- 
ning, that  a  clergyman  from  Leicester,  who  was  on  the 
platform  with  us  at  the  Jews'  Society,  on  Friday,  was  dead; 
having  dropped  down  suddenly  with  something  like  apo- 
plexy. I  felt  the  call  a  loud  one,  it  seemed  to  say.  What- 
soever thy  hands  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with  all  thy  might — 
in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not,  the  Son  of  Man  cometh. 
Lord  prepare  us  all ! 

^^  Monday,  May  12th. — Attended  the  meeting  of 'the 
British  and  Foreign  School  Society.  Lord  Russel  in  the 
chair.  This  Society  is  actively  promoting  education  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  world.  A  large  number  of  schools  are 
assisted  by  it.  The  celebrated  Quaker,  William  Allen, 
read  the  report.  Addresses  made  as  usual.  The  statement, 
that  in  New-England  scarcely  a  native  could  be  found  who 
had  not  some  education,  excited  some  considerable  sur- 
prise, as  did  also  the  accounts  of  the  public  schools  in  New- 
York  and  Philadelphia.  Like  all  the  others,  this  meeting 
was  large  and  respectable.  Mr.  Wilberforce  and  Lord 
Bexley  were  among  the  speakers. 

"  Having  discharged  my  duty  at  this  meeting,  I  repaired 
tn  thft  Port  of  London  and  Bethel  Union  Society,  where,  as 
requested,  I  made  some  statements  concerning  my  venera- 
ble and  holy  friend,  Joseph  Eastburn.     This  meeting  over. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  435 

repaired  to  the  house  of  a  friend  in  Southwark,  where,  with 
several  pious  officers  of  the  Navy,  dined  very  pleasantly. 

"  Tuesday,  May  13th,  six  o'clock. — Attended  the  highly 
interesting  anniversary  of  the  Sunday-School  Union.  This 
Society  is,  like  the  American,  actively  devoted  to  the  good 
of  the  young.  It  just  begins  to  employ  missionaries,  after 
the  plan  of  the  American  Sunday-School  Union,  and  will, 
doubtless,  take  up  the  plan,  this  morning  unfolded  to  them, 
of  Sunday  Bible  Classes. 

"  Twelve  o'clock,  repaired  to  the  Naval  and  Military 
Bible  Society — a  large  and  highly  interesting  assemblage — 
Mr.  Wilberforce  in  the  chair.  Several  officers  spoke,  some 
of  whom  were  men  of  large  service  ;  who  had  discovered 
the  necessity  and  excellence  of  Bible  Societies  in  the  ex- 
treme parts  of  the  world ;  and  who  declared  the  value  of 
the  Bible  itself,  and  of  the  importance  of  circulating  it. 
The  East  India  Colonel,  and  the  Northern  Navigator,  alike 
proclaimed  the  worth  of  the  sacred  page.  Oh,  that  all 
sailors  and  soldiers  might  deeply  realize  that  importance. 
Again  called  upon,  and  addressed  the  assembly,  and  imme- 
diately left  it  for  the  Anniversary  meeting  of  the  Philo- 
Judean  Society  ;  whose  aim  it  is  to  provide  for  the  temporal 
wants  of  sick  Jews,  and  extend  the  benefit  of  instruction 
to  Jewish  children  and  females.  Lord  Mandeville  presided. 
The  meeting  was  not  very  large  ;  nor  as  interesting  as  some 
others.  I  knew  little  about  its  objects,  therefore  had  not 
power  to  say  much  concerning  it ;  but  I  felt  that  suitable 
effiarts  to  promote  the  comfort  and  instruction  of  the  Jews 
were  well  calculated  to  awaken  their  attention  to  Christi- 
anity. Upon  that  ground,  I  urged  the  importance  of  in- 
creased exertion  upon  the  Society. 

"  After  this  meeting,  went  to  that  part  of  the  city  beyond 
St.  James'  Park,  to  the  residence  of  H.  Drummond,  Esq. 
so  well  known  in  connexion  with  proceedings  for  the  benefit 
of  the  Jews.  He  is  a  corresQipndent  and  friend  of  the  Jewish 


436  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Missionary  Wolf:  who,  as  well  as  himself,  is  manied 
to  a  titled  lady.  I  met  at  dinner  there,  three  or  four  Chris- 
tian friends  :  and  returned  in  the  evening,  along  with  one 
of  them,  to  the  city.  I  perceive  that  Christians'  minds  are 
agitated  in  England,  concerning  the  mode  of  Christ's  latter 
coming.  Some  are  of  opinion,  he  is  to  appear  in  person, 
and  that  soon.  Let  all  be  prepared  for  his  coming,  in 
whatever  way  he  may  appear. 

"  Wednesday. — Attended  the  highly  interesting  meeting 
of  the  Newfoundland  School  Society :  my  Christian  ac- 
quaintance. Lord  B.,  again  in  the  chair.  He  adverted 
again  to  America.  This  Society  promises  to  be  of  great 
service  to  the  poor  inhabitants  of  the  Bays  and  Coves  of 
Newfoundland.  It  supports  schoolmasters,  and  promotes 
Scriptural  education.  I  again  adverted  to  the  usefulness 
and  vital  necessity  of  such  institutions.  Dined  with  a 
Christian  clergyman,  at  whose  table  were  several  of  spirit 
like  myself. 

"  Thursday.  Breakfasted  with  two  or  three  clergymen 
of  the  Established  Church,  and  a  friend  of  Miss  H.  More's. 
After  breakfast,  attended  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of 
the  Prayer-book  and  Homily  Society.  The  circulation  of 
Prayer-books  and  Homilies,  among  seamen,  carried  on  by 
that  Society,  is  very  useful.  An  excellent  agent  visits  the 
ships,  constantly,  in  the  pert  of  London.  Much  gratifying 
information  was  read  by  him,  at  the  meeting  of  the  com- 
mittee. I  saw  Lord  Bexley  in  that  meeting,  taking,  as  in 
former  ones,  a  most  lively  interest  in  promoting  the  welfare 
of  his  fellow  man.  The  foreign  operations  of  the  Society 
are  highly  interesting.  A  grant  was  made  this  morning  for 
printing  the  Litany,  as  translated  into  Chinese,  by  Dr. 
Morrison,  a  Dissenter. 

"  One  unpleasant  thing  attends  the  being  called  to  speak 
in  public  meetings,  viz.  the  unfaithfulness  of  some  of  the  re- 
porters of  speeches.     They  attend  every  public  meeting, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  437 

and,  right  or  wrong,  publish  the  next  day.  The  Societies, 
in  some  instances,  get  the  speakers  to  correct  their  remarks ; 
otherwise  mistakes  would  go  forth  under  their  sanction. 
As  it  is,  however,  not  very  probable  that  the  reports  in 
newspapers  will  live  long,  their  errors  are  not  of  so  much 
amount.  I  should  be  sorry  for  my  countrymen  to  suppose 
me  to  have  said  some  things  attributed  to  me ;  the  Congre- 
gationalists  in  Massachusetts,  for  instance,  would  find  fault 
with  one  speech,  as  reported  :  but  I  have  taken  pains  to 
procure  the  correction  of  that  report.  As  to  some  other 
reports,  they  misrepresent  no  religious  body,  therefore  let 
them  go. 

"  This  morning,  Friday  16th  May,  attended  the  Religious 
Tract  Society.  The  Rev.  W.  Patton,  of  New- York,  united 
with  me  in  representing  America  at  that  meeting.  I  left 
it,  however,  as  soon  as  I  had  spoken,  lo  breakfast  at  a  friend's 
house  with  Lord  Kenyon  :  much  of  Bishop  Chase,  America, 
&:c.,  passed  before  us  in  conversation.  I  met  Lord  Kenyon 
at  eleven,  by  appointment,  to  witness  his  visit  to  the  Cen- 
tral National  School.  It  was  very  gratifying  to  me  to  behold 
one  of  Lord  K.'s  influence,  sitting,  like  a  Sunday-school 
teacher,  with  the  Bible  in  his  hand,  a  class  of  children 
around  reading  the  verses  of  a  chapter,  and  he  explaining, 
by  asking  them  questions. 

"  A  gentleman,  who  kindly  took  me  from  place  to  place 
in  his  carriage  this  morning,  showed  me,  in  the  course  of 
it,  a  most  extensive  china  and  glassware  establishment,  the 
income  of  which  assists  many  Christian  operations.  I 
went  along  with  that  gentleman,  from  the  National  School, 
where  Lord  K.  examined  the  children,  to  what  is  to  me 
more  interesting  than  vases  or  glass,  viz.  another  Religious 
Society.  That  was  the  Hibernian.  Noel,  Cunningham, 
and  Wilson,  jr.  spoke.  I  there  made  my  last  speech,  for 
the  week.  What  am  I,  that  the  Lord  should  thus  honour 
mcwith  pleading  his  cause  among  so  many  of  the  excellent 
pp 


438  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

ones  of  this  earth !  May  my  numerous  imperfections  be 
graciously  forgiven !  and  whatever  he  has  enabled  me  to 
say  in  promotion  of  this  cause — Oh  that  he  would  glorify 
himself  through  its  instrumentality  !  I  am  humbled  by  the 
goodness  of  a  merciful  God.  Oh  that  I  might  be  assisted 
to  advance  the  coming  of  the  kingdom  of  Jesus !  I  do  desire 
that  kingdom  to  come.  May  I  be  an  humble  instrument 
in  quickening  its  approach!  Lord,  come!  Lord,  forgive! 
Lord  take  thy  great  power!  Lord,  bless  the  whole  human 
family  ! 

"  I  said,  my  last  address  was  delivered  on  Friday — not 
the  last  of  all — but  the  last  in  London ;  for,  dining  as  I 
did  on  Friday  evening,  at  Lord  Bexley's,  he  proposed  my 
accompanying  him  to  Blackheath,  to  a  Bible  Society  I  had 
promised  to  visit :  accordingly,  after  breakfasting  with  him, 
Saturday  17th,  we  had  an  interesting  ride,  first  to  Green- 
wich Hospital,  of  which  he  is  a  governor.  With  Christian 
courtesy,  he  showed  me  the  chapel,  the  painted  gallery,  and 
every  other  important  part  of  the  hospital — magnificent, 
as  all  travellers  correctly  describe  it  to  be — a  home  for  the 
weary  mariner,  after  the  storms  of  his  early  life.  There 
were  reported  to  us,  that  morning,  as  actually  in  the  hos- 
pital, 2740  seamen — old  men,  generally  ;  some  are  Ameri- 
cans. The  chapel  is  beautiful,  but,  from  its  not  being  suffi- 
ciently large,  only  half  the  seamen  can  attend  in  the 
morning — half  in  the  afternoon.  The  good  Lord  bless  their 
immortal  souls!  1  was  not  aware,  that  any  of  my  name 
ever  became  eminent  in  the  British  annals  :  but,  in  the 
gallery  of  paintings,  is  a  portrait  of  an  Admiral  Allen.  The 
paintings  are,  all,  either  emblematic  or  directly  naval.  The 
king  gave  many  of  them  to  the  institution  ;  a  model  of  a 
Roman  galley  is  preserved  there.  From  the  hospital  we 
walked  through  that  delightful  spot,  Greenwich  Park,  to 
Blackheath.  At  Blackheath  Lord  B.  presided — we  enjoyed 
a  very  pleasant  meeting. 


REV.  BENJAMIN'  ALLEN.  439 

"  Two  of  the  secretaries  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society,  and  other  Christian  friends,  dined  with  an  acquaint- 
ance, who  requested  me  to  visit  him,  and  the  evening  was 
passed,  not,  I  hope,  unprofitably.  Dr.  Pinkerton,  one  of 
the  number,  made  the  evening  very  interesting.  I  really 
forgot  myself  at  the  Bible  meeting  at  Blackheath  :  and 
began  to  say  'we'  and  'our'  in  addressing  the  people,  as 
though  I  were  speaking  concerning  Philadelphia,  to  an 
audience  of  citizens  of  that  place.  The  truth  however  is, 
I  experience  such  atlectionate  Christian  treatment,  and 
Bible  Societies  in  England  are  so  like  Bible  Societies  in 
America,  one  may  leadily  forget  what  country  he  is  in. 
The  nobleman  in  the  chair  had  no  insignia.  His  Christian 
manner  was  exactly  that  which  an  American  Christian  gen- 
tleman displays:  there  certainly  existed  no  circumstance 
to  remind  one  of  a  land  other  than  republican.  The  occa- 
sional 'my  Lord'  and  'Sir  Thomas,'  &;c.  used  by  the  En- 
glish speakers,  were  foreign,  'tis  true,  to  an  American  ear ; 
but  an  American  himself  speaking,  and  becoming  engaged 
in  the  great  theme,  saw  nothing  peculiar  in  the  scene ;  Sir 
Thomas  Bloomfield,  Lord  B.  &c.,  alluded  very  affection- 
ately to  America ;  rejoicing  that  her  spiritual  interests  ad- 
vanced so  much,  and  urging  England  to  beware,  lest  the 
United  States  should  outrun  her  in  the  spiritual  career. 
This  is  language  often  repeated  :  such  should  be  the  rivalry 
existing  among  all  nations.  The  beautiful  prophet  Isaiah, 
tells  of  a  period  when  more  pure,  spiritual,  and  holy  rivalry 
shall  live  on  the  earth.  May  his  prophecy  be  speedily 
fulfilled. 

"  Having  spent  the  night  in  the  hospitable  mansion  of 
my  friend  Brandram,  started,  (he  accompanying  part  of  the 
way,  then  going  on  to  his  Church)  Sunday,  18th,  early,  to 
Clapham,  where  Sir  R.  H.  Inglis  had  kindly  invited  me, 
to  spend  the  Sunday  with  the  family  of  the  late  Henry 
Thornton,  Esq.,  to  whom  it  is  his  lot  to  act  as  a  second 


440  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

parent.  He  lives  in  the  house,  and  is  as  a  father  to  H.  Thorn- 
ton's children.  I  met  them  going  to  Church.  There  we 
heard  a  good  sermon,  and  in  the  afternoon  one  equally 
good  from  Rev.  W.  Dealtry.  He  succeeded  Venn,  whose 
sermons  are  republished  in  America.  The  Bishop  of  Li- 
merick, Jebb,  dined  at  Sir  Robert's :  an  Irish  clergyman 
also.  Every  thing  in  and  around  this  abode  of  benevolence 
is  interesting  in  the  highest  degree.  As  1  walked  in  the 
beautiful  lawn,  I  thought  of  Newton,  Cowper,  Scott,  and 
others,  who  there  had  often  walked.  Wilberforce  lived 
with  H.  F.  Thornton,  in  that  mansion,  ten  years,  while 
both  of  them  were  bachelors.  Now  Wilberforce  still  lives ; 
Thornton  is  in  heaven — the  plans  they  promoted  flourish 
much.  I  enjoyed  the  information  given  me  by  I.  Thorn- 
ton, Esq.,  Treasurer  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So- 
ciety, nephew  of  H.  Thornton.  He  said  many  interesting 
things  concerning  his  uncle.  Those  anecdotes  are  pre- 
cious.    Oh  for  more  Henry  Thornton's ! 

"  Walked  to  London,  Monday  19th.  Saw  the  Committee 
of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society  in  session — Lord 
Teignmouth  in  the  chair.  The  salvation  of  millions  is 
promoted  through  the  instrumentality  of  the  labours  of  that 
committee.  The  results  of  their  labours  will  be  known 
only  in  eternity. 

"  I  dined  this  day  with  a  Christian  brother,  at  the  Charter 
House.  This  is  an  establishment  with  an  income  of  270,000 
pounds  sterling,  left  by  a  Mr.  Sutton,  for  the  maintenance 
of  eighty  old  men,  and  forty  boys.  We  dined  at  three,  in 
what  was  once  the  hall  of  a  noble  family ;  but  now  of  the 
ancients  here  supported.  An  old  man  read  a  prayer  at  the 
beginning,  and  another  at  the  close  of  dinner.  At  one 
table  sat  the  chaplain,  my  friend — the  Doctor,  and  one 
more,  beside  myself.     The  old  men  sat  at  different  tables. 

"  Attended  once  at  service  in  the  Chapel,  where  service 
is  performed  twice  every  day  for  the  benefit  of  the  old  men. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  441 

I  was  struck  with  one  of  them,  as  resembling  Bishop  White 
remarkably. 

"  Favoured  with  the  opportunity  of  being  in  a  clerical 
meeting,  this  afternoon,  where  subjects  bearing  on  Christian 
ministers'  duties,  &c.  &c.,  are  remarked  upon.  Newton 
once  was  a  member.  I  had  the  privilege  of  sitting  in  his 
particular  corner.  Why  are  little  circumstances  of  that 
kind  interesting?  Because  of  the  association  of  interesting 
persons  and  subjects  with  them. 

"  Requested  by  Bible  Society  friends,  resolved  to  go,  and 
visit  several  public  meetings.  The  Secretary,  Brother 
Brandram,  rode  all  Monday  night.  I  left  London  Tuesday 
morning  at  six,  having  arranged  to  meet  at  Liverpool.  The 
road  on  Tuesday  lay  through  Oxford,  where  Latimer  and 
Ridley  were  burned.  The  venerable  piles  of  Oxford  are 
interesting  indeed.  More  interesting  is  the  spot  to  me, 
however,  on  that  where  the  martyrs  suffered.  During  the 
same  day  saw  the  house  at  Stratford  upon  Avon,  where 
Shakspeare  was  born — how  different  the  men — the  former, 
servants  of  Jesus :  the  latter,  the  enemy  of  holiness  :  the 
former,  leaders  of  a  multitude  in  the  way  to  Heaven  :  the 
latter,  of  multitudes  in  ihe  way  to  evil.  The  building 
where  Shakspeare  was  born  is  exceedingly  old  of  course  ; 
the  exterior  is  a  frame  of  wood  filled  up  with  plaister.  The 
house  very  low.  The  style  of  exterior,  just  mentioned, 
quite  common  in  England.  The  timbers  small  in  size, 
seem  to  be  set  in  first:  then  the  plaister  put  in  to  fill  the 
vacancies :  there  is  a  much  larger  space  of  plaister  than  of 
wood ;  the  appearance  is  like  a  surface  of  white  plaister, 
with  black  pieces  of  wood  laid  into  it.  Some  of  the  pieces 
of  wood  are  circular ;  some  shaped  like  knees  of  ship  tim- 
ber. The  whole  appearance  is  very  peculiar.  I  passed 
through  Woodstock ;  an  old  town  in  which  gloves  are  ma- 
nufactured.    The  skins  lying  out  to  dry,  proclaimed  the 

p2 


442  MEMOIU  OF  THE 

manufacture  of  the  place.  Several  other  towns,  generally 
extremely  ancient  in  appearance,  lay  in  our  route. 

"  Arrived  that  evening  at  Birmingham,  whence,  the  next 
day,  rode  on  to  the  neighbourhood  of  Liverpool,  where  I 
attended  a  Bible  meeting  at  St.  Helen's. 

"  Thursday  22d. — In  Rev.  Mr.  B.'s  study,  near  Liver- 
pool— expecting  a  public  Bible-meeting  this  evening.  To- 
morrow am  to  depart  to  attend  certain  meetings  in  West- 
moreland. Goodness  and  mercy  attend  me  thus  far — the 
Lord  be  praised. 

"  Thursday,  22d  May. — Started  at  seven,  from  the  hospi- 
table home  of  the  Rector  of  St.  Helen's,  in  whose  town 
we  had  held  a  Bible-meeting  the  evening  before :  and, 
accompanied  by  a  neighbouring  Rector,  rode  to  Everton, 
the  residence  of  the  Rev.  R.  P.  Buddicom,  near  Liver- 
pool. This  delightful  village,  being  on  an  eminence,  over- 
looks the  city  of  Liverpool,  the  Mersey,  and  a  considerable 
range  of  the  surrounding  country.  At  this  place  dwell 
several  of  the  principal  merchants  and  bankers,  such  as 
Messrs.  Hope,  Hodgson,  &c.  Brother  Buddicom  discover- 
ed at  once  the  Christian  and  the  gentleman  :  and  I  felt 
myself  as  completely  at  home  with  him  as  though  we  had 
known  each  other  for  years.  He  has  in  his  family  two  or 
three  young  gentlemen  as  students  ;  and  among  them  a 
son  of  the  Bishop  of  Litchfield,  whom  I  had  so  often  seen 
on  the  platforms  of  the  London  meetings.  The  very  coun- 
tenance of  brother  B.  indicates  the  scholar.  In  his  study, 
passed  several  hours  in  preparing  packages  of  letters^  &c. 
to  my  dear  wife,  and  brother.  Dined  at  the  table  of  Adam 
Hodgson,  Esq.,  to  whom  the  United  States  are  indebted  for 
a  candid,  unprejudiced  volume  of  travels.  Met  several  of 
the  clergy  of  the  neighbourhood.  The  Bible-classes  in 
America  are  almost  unknown  here,  and  the  mere  mention 
of  them  has  excited  so  nmch  interest,  I  have  yielded  to  the 
solicitations  oft,  very  oft  repeated,  to  prepare  and  publish 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  443 

a  short  account  of  them.  Oh,  may  young  ladies  and  gen- 
tlemen, every  where,  be  led  to  search  the  Scriptures !  In 
the  evening,  we  repaired  to  Liverpool  to  attend  the  anni- 
versary meeting  of  the  Bible  Society.  Two  thousand 
people  were  assembled — A.  Hodgson,  Esq.  in  the  chair. 
Rev.  R.  Buddicom,  as  Secretary,  read  the  report.  The 
Rev.  A.  Brandram,  Secretary  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society,  who  here  met  me  by  appointment,  opened 
the  meeting  with  a  statement  of  the  Parent  Institution. 
Several  addresses  followed,  and  my  statement,  concerning 
the  operations  of  societies  in  the  United  States,  closed  the 
meeting. 

"  Left  brother  B.'s  house,  on  Friday  morning,  with  a 
warm  feeling  of  attachment  to  him  and  his  lovely  family. 
May  he  have  souls  as  seals  of  his  ministry,  and  stars  in  his 
crown ! 

"  Rode  in  company  with  friend  Brandram — a  sensible 
and  excellent  companion,  to  Lancaster,  fifty-six  miles  from 
Liverpool.  As  we  took  the  top  of  the  coach,  we  enjoyed  a 
fine  opportunity  of  seeing  the  country.  My  shattered  frame 
seemed  to  be  inspired  with  new  vigour  from  the  continual 
exercise,  and  deliverance  from  severe  parochial  duties. 
The  weather  was  similar  to  the  delightful  autumnal  season 
of  the  United  States,  so  that  it  was  admirably  calculated  to 
invigorate;  nothing  of  peculiar  interest  presented  itself 
until  we  approached  Lancaster.  At  this  place  is  the  castle 
of  John  of  Gaunt.  As  we  ascended  an  eminence,  within 
a  mile  or  two  of  the  castle,  it  rose  to  view  in  baronial  mag- 
nificence. It  is  situated  on  a  hill,  in  the  centre  of  a  wide 
amphitheatre,  being  occupied  at  present  as  a  prison  for 
debtors,  and  penitentiary  for  criminals  ;  it  is  in  a  state  of 
complete  repair.  New  towers  have  been  added  to  the  old  : 
the  parts  that  had  fallen  down  have  been  rebuilt;  and  the 
whole  presents  an  assemblage  of  turrets  and  massy  walls, 
which  conveys  to  the  mind  a  perfect  idea  of  ancient  gran- 


444  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

deur.  It  being  accessible,  by  the  help  of  friends,  I  walked 
through  its  various  apartments.  The  women  are  confined 
in  a  penitentiary  by  themselves,  so  arranged  as  that  the 
matron  and  assistants,  being  in  a  central  room,  can  look 
into  every  cell,  and  see  their  behaviour.  The  prisoners 
grind  corn  with  hand-mills.  One  apartment  is  appropriated 
to  the  purposes  of  a  Sunday-school,  and  morning  and  even- 
ing prayer.     Various  Bibles,  &c.  were  seen  lying  here. 

"  In  the  yard  of  the  castle  the  debtors  walk,  under  piaz- 
zas of  stone,  or  in  the  open  air.  The  criminals  are  less  in 
number  than  usual,  but  the  debtors  increasing. 

"Many  of  the  convict  men  are  kept  upon  tread-mills. 
They  work  there  ten  hours  per  day.  Eighteen  are  attached 
to  a  mill  at  a  time  :  twelve  working  and  six  resting.  I  saw 
many,  alas  for  human  nature !  too  many  young  men  and 
Viomen  among  the  prisoners.  Weaving  forms  the  occupa- 
tion of  a  portion  of  the  men.  In  some  instances,  when 
prisoners  are  refractory,  solitary  confinement  is  resorted  to  : 
ihe  gentleman  who  has  the  charge  of  the  castle,  informed 
ine,  that  solitary  confinement  had  in  no  instance  proved 
injurious. 

"  One  of  the  towers  here  is  extremely  old :  its  date  not 
ascertained.  Another,  supposed  to  be  more  modern,  is 
Saxon  in  its  architecture,  and  was  built  previous  to  the 
Norman  conquest.  We  ascended  a  stone  staircase  in  the 
'  keep'  of  the  castle  to  the  turret  on  its  summit,  where  of 
old  stood  the  sentinel,  were  the  '  warden'  kept  watch. 
There  are  very  narrow  places  or  slits  in  the  wall  surround- 
ing the  'keep,'  evidently  intended  for  arrows.  Cannon,  of 
course,  were  then  unknown.  We  saw  a  Roman  altar,  dedi- 
cated by  some  pagan  of  old  to  the  god  Mars.  It  is  small, 
■uid  of  stone.  It  stands  at  the  top  of  the  staircase,  in  John 
of  Gaunt's  tower  as  the  '  keep'  is  called.  It  reminded  us 
of  the  days  of  darkness,  when  Caesar,  Agricola,  &c.  ruled 
tljese  hills.     There  is  also,  part  of  a  Roman  wall  still  stand- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  445 

ing,  and,  united  with  more  modern  masonry,  is  a  portion 
of  the  castle. 

"  The  Romans  made  this  a  military  station :  then  the 
Saxons;  and  after  them  the  Normans.  The  house  of  Lan- 
caster, as  is  known,  held  it:  and  it  has  always  been 
regarded  as  a  place  of  great  strength. 

"  Fairfax  besieged,  and  took  it  in  the  wars  of  Cromwell's 
day ;  and  portions  of  the  ancient  building,  since  replaced? 
were  thrown  down.  Happy  change  from  the  rude  and 
bloody  violence  of  Picts,  Scotts,  Romans,  Barons,  &c.  to 
the  peaceful  scenes  of  a  Bible  Society  !  I  feel,  on  thinking 
of  former  times  in  England,  very  great  thankfulness  that 
no  marauders  in  the  shape  of  '  bald  Barons,'  and  their 
retainers,  now  exist  in  the  land.  Writing,  as  I  this  moment 
am,  in  a  room  of  the  castle,  in  full  view  of  the  prisoners  of 
John  of  Gaunt's  tower,  I  rejoice  that  no  murderous  scenes 
are  occurring  around  me :  no  violent  deeds  are  taking 
place  :  that,  though  punishments  are  still  resorted  to,  they 
are  mild  in  their  nature  :  that  law  takes  the  place  of  caprice 
and  of  tyranny.  In  a  magnificent  room,  in  the  castle,  the 
assizes  for  this  county,  [in  which  are  both  Liverpool  and 
Manchester]  are  held.  The  celebrated  Wakefields  had 
their  trial  here,  and  one  of  them  is  now  imprisoned  in  the 
castle. 

"I  forgot  to  name  a  beautiful  terrace  running  round  the 
outer  wall  of  the  castle,  furnishing  to  the  citizens  of  Lan- 
caster a  convenient  promenade.  This  town  once  had  com- 
mercial importance  :  now,  sandbanks  impede  the  approach 
to  it.  Liverpool  has  its  trade.  The  river  Loon  runs  near 
the  city,  and  an  arm  of  the  Irish  Sea  is  not  very  far  distant. 
Northward,  appear  the  mountains  of  Cumberland." 

The  Magazine  for  September  continues  the  Journal  with 
the  following  introduction — 

"  The  entire  devotion  to  the  best  of  causes,  which  our 
absent  friend  so  perpetually  displays  throughout  his  narra- 


446  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

tive,  we  consider  as  matter  of  gratitude  and  joy  ;  and  espe- 
cially, that  his  own  soul  is  so  abundantly  refreshed  and 
his  individual  hopes  so  greatly  enlivened  by  the  Spirit  of 
his  God.  We  cannot  but  fear,  however,  that  his  ardent 
bosom,  panting  for  usefulness,  has  led  his  diseased  body  on 
to  too  great  effort.  May  the  Lord  be  better  to  us  than  our 
fears,  and  restore  him  to  our  bosom  with  renewed  health, 
'  in  the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,'  pre- 
pared for  still  more  extensive  usefulness  in  our  midst." 

"  Westmoreland,  England,       ) 
At  the  House  of  Wm.  Carus  Wilson,  Esq.  ^ 

"May  25,  1828. 

"  The  fact  that  the  Lord  Jesus  poured  upon  the  waiting 
disciples  the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit  cheers  every 
Christian  heart.  It  is  a  demonstration  of  the  power  of  the 
Almighty  Redeemer:  and  who  can  doubt  the  truth  of  his 
promise,  that  all  the  world  shall  yet  submit  to  his  sway  ? 
He  shall  reign  till  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet. 
Oh  Lord  give  my  soul  a  large  measure  of  that  Spirit.  Let 
my  people,  my  family  and  friends,  share  abundantly  in  its 
influence;  pour  it  out  like  rivers  of  water,  till  the  whole 
earth  rejoice  in  its  abundance. 

"  The  Bible-meetings  I  have  attended  are  cheering 
fruits  of  the  Spirit's  influence  :  for  every  such  good  asocia- 
tion  is  brought  about  by  power  holier  than  man.  The 
distribution  of  the  word  is  no  device  of  satan.  It  is  from 
God.     I  rejoice  to  contemplate  such  proofs  of  his  power. 

"  The  Bible  Society  at  Lancaster,  on  Friday  afternoon 
last,  evidently  had  an  unction  of  the  Holy  One  upon  it. 
It  was  addressed  by  several  clergymen  and  others,  with 
spiritual  remarks,  calculated  to  be  a  means  of  good.  The 
excellent  Gains,  with  whom  I  now  enjoy  an  abundance 
of  every  earthly  comfort,  being  a  principal  man  in  the  land, 
a  late  member  of  Parliament,   dec,  took  the  chair;  and, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  447 

with  truly  pious  words,  opened  the  meeting.  The  Spirit 
whose  outpouring  we  at  this  period  remember,  refreshed 
us  while  we  talked  of  the  doings  of  the  Saviour,  the 
triumphs  of  the  King  of  glory.  I  felt  it  indeed  good  to  be 
there.  An  eminently  faithful  clergyman  of  Lancaster, 
now  advanced  in  years  and  in  usefulness,  read  the  report  as 
Secretary :  and,  as  an  evidence  of  their  willingness  to 
promote  the  coming  of  Jesus  to  reign,  the  persons  present 
contributed  more  largely  of  their  substance  than  at  any 
previous  meeting.  The  place  of  assemblage  was  a  Friend's 
meeting-house. 

"  The  spiritual  benefits  bestowed  by  the  Most  High 
suitably  occupy  the  thoughts  on  a  Whitsunday  morning.  I 
feel  that,  in  meditating  upon  them,  my  soul  may  be  prepared 
to  grow  in  grace  as  it  joins  in  the  public  services  of  the 
sanctuary.  The  venerable  clergyman,  of  whom  I  spoke, 
has  experienced  among  his  own  people  the  truth  of  the 
Gospel,  and  seen  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  prospering  in  his 
hands.  He  is  Pastor  of  a  large  Church,  the  tops  of  the 
pews  of  which  were  literally  covered  with  Bibles  and 
Prayer-books.  The  preaching  of  the  word  there  has  been 
an  instrument  of  great  good.  Among  his  numerous  and 
excellent  communicants,  there  are  twelve  Prayer-meetings 
held  every  Thursday  night  and  every  Sunday  night.  They 
are  under  his  direction  and  supervision,  but  conducted  by 
judicious  men  of  his  flock.  No  '  haranguing,'  as  he  called 
it.  Religious  conference,  however,  takes  place  :  reading 
of  the  Scriptures,  Scott's  Commentary,  with  prayers  at  the 
beginning  and  end  of  the  meeting.  One  Diotrephes  has 
risen  up  in  rebellion,  but  no  other  inconvenience  has  oc- 
curred. This  did  no  permanent  harm.  Humility  is  a 
manifest  grace  among  them.  They  are  not  allowed  to  take 
part  too  soon,  and  are  changed  constantly,  in  such  a  way, 
that  no  persons  are  leaders  of  one  meeting  for  two  nights 
in  succession.    This  going  from  meeting  to  meeting  pre- 


448  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

vents  the  people  saying  '■  I  am  of  Paul  and  I  of  Apollos.'' 
The  effect  of  thus  preferring  assembling  for  reading  the 
Scriptures  to  uniting  in  worldly  amusement,  appears  in  the 
lovely  piety  of  at  least  some  whom  I  saw : — in  the  contri- 
butions to  charitable  associations,  in  numerous  good  works, 
five  hundred  Sunday  scholars  belong  to  that  one  Church : 
all  of  whom  are  regularly  taken  from  the  school-room 
(ninety  feet  long)  to  the  Church,  under  the  care  of  their 
fifty  teachers.  The  Spiritual  Father  of  so  many  souls,  like 
his  Divine  Master,  is  hated  by  the  Pharisees. 

"  As  we  travelled  the  vale  of  Loon,  or  Lonsdale,  on  Satur- 
day, in  the  barouche  of  our  excellent  friend,  we  beheld 
much  beautiful  natural  scenery  ;  in  the  midst  of  which  were 
castles  new  and  old,  connected  with  many  an  historic  tale : 
but  Christians,  diamonds  of  the  first  water,  are  far  more 
interesting  than  towers  or  hills.  In  our  company  rode  not 
only  our  excellent  host — who  himself  has  for  many  years 
been  a  burning  and  shining  light  to  this  land — but  his  son 
also,  a  clergyman  of  the  same  name  ;  who,  though  not  forty, 
is  entitled  the  Apostle  of  the  North.  He  actively  promotes 
every  good  work  calculated  to  benefit  the  souls  of  the  peo- 
ple. Heir  of  the  splendid  and  romantic  estate  on  which 
we  now  are,  he  seeks  to  promote  with  all  his  energies,  the 
spiritual  interests  of  the  poor — the  salvation  of  immortal 
souls.  He  has  the  esteem  of  the  pious  in  England  in  a  very 
high  degree.  On  this  day  of  God,  in  which  lam  recording 
the  spiritual  doings  of  the  Most  High  in  this  land,  he  preaches 
the  Gospel.  On  other  days  he  circulates  the  same  Gospel 
by  one  scriptural  publication  for  adults,  another  for  children 
— half  a  million  of  copies  of  which  are  issued  in  a  year. 
Thus,  as  in  all  periods,  a  Cyrus  or  a  Stephen,  a  Paul  or  a 
Luther,  has  been  raised,  so  in  this  land  one  individual  after 
another  has  his  spirit  stirred  up  to  seek  the  good  of  his  peo- 
ple. Kirby  Lonsdale,  across  the  river  from  where  I  now 
am,  is  a  small  town.     In  it,  however,  some  of  the  friends 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  449 

of  Jesus  assembled  yesterday  afternoon,  and  addressing 
them  on  the  subject  of  Bible  operations,  I  felt  in  one 
respect  much  as  if  I  was  at  home.  There  were  present  a 
number  of  the  daughters  of  clergymen — for  whom  a  school 
is  established  at  a  short  distance  from  this ;  and  such 
appeared  the  proportion  of  young  persons,  it  reminded  me 
of  the  Bible-class :  I  united  with  my  usual  statement  of 
facts  that  have  occurred  in  the  United  States,  a  kind  of 
sermon  to  the  young.  The  Lord  bless  all  the  souls  of  the 
dear  youth  both  of  England  and  America  ! 

"  May  26,  1828. — Saturday  morning  last,  I  was  taken  to 
see  the  Lunatic  Hospital  in  Lancaster.  It  is  a  large  stone- 
building  :  well  situated,  a  little  out  of  town ;  has  grounds 
connected  with  it  which  allow  sufficient  room  for  exercise 
to  the  afflicted,  of  whom  there  are  now  three  hundred  resi- 
dents. The  neatness  of  the  house  reminded  me,  in  some 
degree,  of  the  Philadelphia  Hospital.  The  law  of  kind- 
ness directs  much  of  the  conduct  of  the  keepers.  Among 
other  useful  means  of  benefit  to  the  insane,  is  a  large  room 
in  which  Divine  service  is  performed.  There  are  as  many 
as  a  hundred  in  the  habit  of  attending;  their  conduct  is  so 
orderly,  it  would  be  difficult  to  discover  their  want  of  reason 
at  the  moment.  A  pious  chaplain  is  supported  in  the 
establishment  by  the  county,  under  whose  charge  it  is.  I 
thought  how  thankful  we  should  be  for  the  possession  of 
reason  when  we  reflect  upon  what  man  is  when  he  has  lost  it. 
A  curate  of  Lancaster  presented  among  others  a  pitiable 
spectacle. 

"  I  went  three  miles  yesterday  morning  to  the  Church  of 
Rev.  William  Carus  Wilson,  eldest  son  of  the  hospitable 
friend  with  whom  I  am  now  enjoying  the  bounties  of  a  kind 
Providence.  In  the  afternoon  I  visited  an  institution  of  which 
he  is  the  founder,  viz.  a  school  for  the  daughters  of  cler- 
gymen who  have  small  incomes.  Fourteen  pounds  sterling 
per  year  educates,  boards,  and  clothes  these  scholars.     It 


450  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

relieves  the  mind,  and  provides  for  the  necessities  of  many 
a  faithful  minister,  who  is  enabled  by  it  to  give  his  daugh- 
ters that  education  of  which  they  would  otherwise  remain 
destitute.  The  building  is  new,  and  indeed,  the  plan  is  of 
recent  establishment.  Brother  W.,  who  projected  it,  abounds 
in  works  calculated  for  the  benefit  of  his  fellow  creatures. 
He  attends  to  all  the  details  of  the  school,  for  the  com- 
mittee appointed  for  the  purpose,  knowing  his  fitness  and 
engagedness  in  the  cause,  yield  all  to  his  care.  There  are 
seven  teachers ;  one  of  them  superintendent ;  and  all 
females.  1  rode  to  the  place,  a  distance  of  nearly  ihree 
miles  in  another  direction,  and  beheld  the  children  going 
to  Church.  I  attended  also.  A  very  spiritual  discourse 
from  the  minister  of  the  place  interested  and  gratified  me. 
He  was  exceedingly  desirous  to  detain  me  after  the  sermon, 
that  I  might  deliver  an  expository  lecture  at  the  school 
house  at  seven  o'clock.  After  Church,  however,  I  went  to 
the  clergy  school :  the  girls  walked  in  procession  along 
with  their  teachers,  and  a  most  interesting  procession  it 
was.  The  distance  to  their  house  is  a  quarter  of  a  mile. 
As  soon  as  their  tea  was  over,  of  which  they  partook 
together  in  a  common  hall,  I  met  them  in  their  school-room 
and  addressed  a  word  of  exhortation  to  them. 

"  The  assemblage  was  to  me  unspeakably  interesting. 
Seventy-five  daughters  of  clergymen  arranged  in  perfect 
order,  each  with  her  Bible,  seated  according  to  seniority, 
from  the  child  of  five  years  just  at  my  feet,  to  the  girl  of 
sixteen  :  many  of  them  orphans  ;  some  the  orphans  of  Dur- 
ing, Nylander,  and  other  missionaries  to  the  heathen  : — the 
scene  was  such  aa  to  excite  the  most  powerful  emotions. 
I  thought  of  my  Harriot  and  Mary  Ann,  and,  indeed,  several 
of  the  children  before  me  reminded  me  of  them.  The  12th 
chapter  of  Ecclesiastes  was  ray  subject,  and  when  I  went 
to  prayer  with  them,  after  the  lecture,  I  could  have  poured 
out  my  whole  soul  in  the  language  of  blessing  and  suppli- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  451 

catioHj — they  were  much  affected — their  eagerness  in  lis- 
tening was  very  great. 

"  They  sang,  at  my  request,  after  I  had  closed,  the  twenty- 
third  Psalm — during  which,  as  another  family  service  awaited 
me  at  the  hall  of  my  friend,  1  departed.  The  sound  of  their 
voices  dying  away  in  the  distance  was  most  sweet :  and,  as 
I  rode  over  the  beautiful  hills  of  Westmoreland,  the  sun 
shining  upon  the  romantic  scene,  I  felt  as  I  have  seldom 
before  felt.  The  Gospel  is  the  same  in  all  lands,  and  we 
can  never  be  sufficiently  thankful. 

"  Arrived  at  the  hall,  another  scene  awaited  me.  It  ap- 
pears that  the  gentleman  with  whom  I  sojourn,  is  in  the 
excellent  habit  of  allowing  his  poor  neighbours  to  mingle 
with  his  family  around  his  domestic  altar,  every  Sunday 
evening.  Aged  men,  women,  &c.  were  seen  going  to  the 
mansion,  and  soon  a  considerable  assemblage  awaited  me. 
The  exhortation  I  gave  was  not  very  long :  they  sang  twice ; 
and  after  prayer  dispersed.  This  opportunity  constantly 
afforded  of  hearing  the  Scriptures  along  with  the  family  of 
the  rich,  is  calculated  to  create  strong  bonds  of  attachment 
between  theni  and  the  poor. 

"  The  owner  of  this  mansion  was  a  student  at  Cambridge, 
and  one  of  those  converted  through  the  instrumentality  of 
Simeon.  He  is  a  particular  friend  of  Wilberforce :  and 
has  long  been  in  this  neighbourhood  the  patron  of  all  that 
is  good. 

"  He  has  three  sons  in  the  ministry  ;  the  eldest  is  Rector 
of  the  Church  we  attended  in  the  morning.  He  preaches 
ii)  a  very  faithful,  useful  manner,  without  the  use  of  notes, 
and  is  a  great  favourite  with  multitudes.  His  Monthly 
Magazines,  entitled  the  Friendly  Visitor,  and  the  Chil- 
dren's Friend,  issued  at  one  penny  each,  afford  him  a  great 
opportunity  of  doing  good.  Between  twenty  and  thirty 
thousand  of  the  former  are  issued  every  month.  Sunday 
schools,  Bible  and  Missionary  Societies,  and  every  other 


452  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

good  work,  occupy  his  attention.  His  first  attempt  at  estab' 
lishing  a  charity  school  was  for  female  servants.  Poor 
persons  are  permitted  to  send  their  little  girls  to  this  school 
on  paying  a  very  small  sum ;  and  while,  above  all,  their 
spiritual  interests  are  attended  to,  they  are  taught  every 
thing  necessary  for  them  to  know  as  domestic  servants. 

"  Institutions  for  doing  good  abound  very  much  in  this 
land,  and  increase  in  number  every  year.  Such  a  man  as 
the  Rev.  W.  C.  Wilson  will  not  suffer  them  to  diminish  in 
this  neighbourhood.  Whatsoever  his  hand  finds  to  do,  he 
does  with  all  his  might — and  his  hand  is  sure  to  find  some- 
thing. 

"I  am  really  so  much  improved  in  health  by  the  tour  I 
am  taking,  I  sometimes  begin  to  query  whether  I  ought 
not  to  go  home  and  go  to  work ;  but  too  sudden  a  return 
would  bring  my  complaints  back  again,  and  prevent  per- 
manent benefit.  The  Lord  be  praised  for  all  his  mercies  ! 
A  prospect  of  returning  health  cheers  me  with  the  hope  of 
once  more  actively  engaging  in  promoting  his  cause.  I 
feel,  however,  that  I  cannot  yet  preach.  My  side,  though 
better,  admonishes  me  that  I  must  be  careful,  and  that  I 
must  be  contented  to  be  doing  comparatively  nothing.  I 
glorify  God  for  the  privilege  of  going  to  the  anniversaries 
of  Bible  and  other  societies ;  and  thus  not  being  entirely 
idle.  Travelling  and  addressing  a  body  of  Bible  friends 
suits  exactly. — Oh,  indeed,  goodness  and  mercy  have  fol- 
lowed me  all  the  days  of  my  life!  My  dear  family — if  I 
had  them  along — to  be  thus  far  separated  is  dreadful  to  me  : 
— but  the  Lord  has  wise  designs  in  it.  His  Spirit  refreshes 
my  soul — He  is  gracious  and  all  sufficient. 

"  The  Lord  our  pasture  shall  prepare, 
And  feed  us  with  a  shepherd's  care ; 
His  presence  shall  our  wants  supply. 
And  guard  us  with  a  watchful  eye, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  453 

Tho'  in  the  vale  of  death  we  tread, 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread, 
Our  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill, 
For  thou,  oh  Lord,  art  with  us  still. 

Thy  bounty  shall  our  pains  beguile. 
The  barren  wilderness  shall  smile ; 
With  sudden  greens  and  herbage  crown'd, 
And  streams  shall  murmur  all  around. 

"  The  Lord  be  praised. 

"  Monday,  at  nine  o'clock,  started  in  the  barouche, 
along  with  Rev.  A.  Brandram,  Rev.  W.  C.  W.  and  his 
father,  on  the  way  to  the  considerable  town  of  Kendall. 
Along  the  road  we  saw  interesting  scenes,  reminding  me 
of  the  hills  and  dales  of  America.  There  is  a  high  degree 
of  cultivation  manifest  in  the  vales,  but  much  barrenness 
on-  the  mountains  ;  indeed  this  is  by  no  means  the  most 
fertile  part  of  England.  There  stands  upon  a  hill  near  Ken- 
dall the  remains  of  a  castle  in  which  was  born  Henry  the 
Eighth's  wife,  Catharine  Parr.  We  were  surrounded  by 
hills  on  every  side,  approaching  as  we  were  a  mountainous 
country.  The  appearance  of  Kendall  is  interesting  at  a 
distance,  and  it  was  to  us  pleasant  in  a  variety  of  respects. 
The  utmost  degree  of  hospitality  was  extended  to  us  by 
some  members  of  the  society  of  Friends,  more  especially : 
at  the  indeed  friendly  dwelling  of  a  Quaker  we  took  up  our 
abode.  He  was  a  relative  of  Anna  Braithwaite,  several  of 
whose  connexions,  and  one  of  whose  children,  we  saw. 
The  first  Bible-meeting  at  Kendall  was  held  in  the  Town- 
Hall,  our  valued  host,  Mr.  W.,  in  the  chair.  During  this 
meeting,  I  heard  it  stated,  that  at  the  two  last  assizes  for 
the  county  of  Westmoreland,  not  a  single  criminal  case 
occurred.  After  the  meeting,  we  dined  with  several  Quaker 
and  other  friends,  at  the  house  of  an  officer  of  the  Kendall 
Society,  and  in  the  evening  repaired  to  a  second  meeting 
q2 


454  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

at  Friends'  meeting-house.  This  was  a  peculiarly  large 
and  delightful  assemblage.  Tuesday,  proceeded  with  the 
Secretary  of  the  B.  and  F.  B.  S.,  the  Rev.  W.  C.  W.,  and 
some  other  friends,  in  a  barouche  to  Ambleside.  This  place 
is  at  the  head  of  lake  Windermere ;  and  in  our  way  we 
couraed  along  almost  the  whole  of  that  beautiful  lake.  To 
an  eye  accustomed  to  viewing  American  waters,  Winder- 
mere does  not  seem  so  important  as  to  the  inhabitants  of 
England  it  is  in  reality.  Its  length  is  about  thirteen  miles  : 
its  average  width  scarcely  a  mile  :  so  that  some  may 
readily  mistake  it  for  a  broad  river.  It  reminded  me  of  the 
Susquehannah  near  Harrisburg ;  the  mountains  that  appear 
at  a  distance  and  indeed  appoach  near  the  shore  of  the 
lake,  from  their  very  rough  and  craggy  appearance,  are  in 
a  high  degree  picturesque.  The  sheet  of  water  is  smooth  : 
and  on  its  banks  smile  cultivated  scenes,  in  which  rural 
quiet  would  seem  eminently  to  abide.  We  passed  the 
dwelling  of  Professor  Wilson,  author  of  the  Isle  of  Palms  : 
also  the  seat  of  the  late  Bishop  Watson  ;  who,  though  his 
diocess  was  Llandaff,  dwelt  on  the  banks  of  Windermere 
The  poet  Wodsworth  lives  within  a  mile  of  Ambleside 
We  went  to  Ambleside,  not  to  seek  for  natural  beauties 
though  doubtless  we  enjoyed  quite  as  much  as  the  de 
spisers  of  the  Bible,  but  to  organize  a  Bible  Association 
This  done,  we  ordered  our  jaunting  car  to  ascend  a  neigh 
bouring  mountain  by  the  high  road,  while  we  took  a  nearer 
path  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  a  beautiful  cascade.  This 
consists  of  two  small  streams  of  water,  which  uniting  in 
one,  descend  into  a  wild  romantic  glen.  The  height  of  the 
cascade  is  about  fifty  feet.  On  our  way  from  the  cascade 
to  the  road,  on  the  summit  of  the  mountain,  a  woman  who 
dwelt  at  a  farm-house,  told  us  she  was  without  a  Bible ; 
and  a  girl  of  sixteen  informed  us  she  could  not  read. 
Would  that  the  romantic  poets  in  this  neighbourhood 
thought   of  removing   the    ignorance   and    supplying   the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  455 

spiritual  wants  of  those,  in  their  own  immediate  vicinity  ! 
Arrived  at  the  top  of  Kirkstone,  a  bare  and  lofty  mountain, 
we  beheld  a  sublime  spectacle.  The  mountains  of  Cumber- 
land :  the  adjacent  ranges  of  Westmoreland  :  Windermere 
sleeping  at  our  feet,  with  the  little  lake  called  Esthwaite 
adjoining :  the  rays  of  a  bright  sun  enlivening  the  wild 
scene  ;  all  combined  in  forming  a  view  worth  much  labour 
to  enjoy.  Almost  the  whole  of  the  mountains  in  this 
region  have,  to  my  eye,  the  great  peculiarity  of  being  desti- 
tute of  wood.  Heath  and  fern  cover  them  ;  and  they  pre- 
sent an  aspect  of  barrenness.  However,  we  are  told  that 
they  furnish  fine  pasturage  for  sheep  ;  and  many  flocks, 
with  now  and  then  a  shepherd  and  his  dog,  were  seen. 
The  sides  and  summits  of  the  mountains,  in  very  many 
instances,  are  destitute  of  enclosure.  They  form  a  com- 
mon pasturage.  I  was  struck  with  the  exceedingly  rough 
and  broken  appearance  of  some  of  the  hills  near  Winder- 
mere. They  are  not  naked  cliffs  ;  but,  like  large  masses 
of  iron  ore,  covered  with  heath.  This  ruggedness  forms  a 
very  interesting  feature  in  the  landscape.  The  vales 
between  the  mountains  presented  cultivated  spots  pecu- 
liarly sweet  in  their  appearance.  The  little  lakes  slumber- 
ing in  those  vales  form  a  perfect  contrast  to  the  wild  mag- 
nificence of  the  mountains  themselves.  Brothersvvater,  a 
very  little  lake  of  this  character,  is  at  the  foot  of  Kirk- 
stone. At  Patterdale,  a  little  farther  on,  we  arrived  at  Uls- 
water,  another  lake  ;  on  this  lake  it  was  our  intention  to 
travel  in  a  boat  until  we  reached  the  opposite  end,  and 
thus  proceed  upon  our  journey  to  the  next  Bible-meeting. 
After  we  had  ordered  our  boat,  however,  we  were  surprised 
by  the  appearance  of  heavy  clouds  rolling  down  the  pass  of 
Kirkstone,  through  which  we  had  just  travelled.  A  storm 
of  rain,  with  the  reverberation  of  thunder,  made  us  resign 
our  boat  for  a  post-chaise.  Our  road  lay  along  the  margin 
of  the  lake,  and  a  most  delightful  ride  we  had.     On  the 


456  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

opposite  shore,  we  saw  the  abode  of  Thomas  Clarkson. 
We  passed  through  the  grounds,  and  by  a  hunting  seat  of 
the  Duke  of  Norfolk.  On  the  Westmoreland  shore,  a  rela- 
tion of  our  friend  W.  has  some  rein  deer.  Common  deer 
were  seen  by  us  near  the  Duke  of  Norfolk's  seat.  Having 
traversed  the  whole  length  of  the  lake,  ten  miles,  we  struck 
off  from  the  head  of  it,  for  the  town  of  Penrith,  in  Cumber- 
land. There  we  passed  the  night.  In  the  morning,  another 
chaise  conveyed  us  to  Appleby,  the  county  town  of  West- 
moreland. As  we  rode  on,  we  passed  the  remains  of  two 
castles.  At  Appleby,  we  ascended  Caesar's  tower,  part  of 
the  castle  of  the  Earl  of  Thanet.  We  saw  also,  in  the 
castle,  sundry  portraits  of  the  Countess  of  Pembroke,  who 
founded  a  hospital  for  poor  widows ;  and  was  otherwise  a 
benefactress  to  the  neighbourhood;  as  well  as,  in  many 
respects,  a  superior  woman  ;  also  a  suit  of  ancient  armour, 
the  helmet  of  which  I  put  on.  The  walk  through  the  prin- 
cipal avenue,  as  it  may  be  called,  of  Appleby,  and  through 
the  grove  of  oaks  leading  to  the  castle,  is  exceedingly  fine. 
I  enjoyed  it  much  :  as  also  the  wild  and  picturesque  view 
from  the  summit  of  Caesar's  tower.  This  town  is  the  plea- 
santest  for  residence  I  have  seen  iji  Westmoreland.  Three 
of  the  '  Friends'  from  Kendall  met  us  at  Appleby.  We 
were  most  hospitably  welcomed  by  another  Friend  resident 
in  A.,  who  is  actively  engaged  in  promoting  the  Bible 
Society.  The  Vicar,  a  nephew  of  the  late  Milner's,  author 
of  Church  History,  presided  at  the  Bible-meeting,  and  a 
niece  of  the  same  Milner's  attended  it.  Part  of  our  num- 
ber dined  at  the  Vicarage ;  and  we  then  proceeded  with 
our  Kendall  '  Friends'  to  Brough,  eight  miles  distant. 
There,  in  the  evening,  we  addressed  a  body  of  people  in 
the  Methodist  meeting-house ;  and  after  their  offerings  to 
the  Bible  Society  had  been  received  by  the  officer  of  an 
association  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  had  expressed  great 
thankfulness,  we  departed  to  Kirby  Stephen,  a  short  dis- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  457 

tance,  on  our  return,  where  the  night  was  passed  comforta- 
bly. Brough  was  the  last  of  the  places  we  proposed  to 
visit.  At  Brough,  therefore,  the  Secretary  took  a  night- 
coach  for  London.  Preferring  more  easy  stages,  1  placed 
myself  under  the  care  of  Brother  W.  and  our  Kendall 
friends. 

"  Thursday,  we  rode  twenty-four  miles  to  the  house  of 
our  friends  across  '  mountain  and  moor,'  though  along  a 
very  good  road.  Scenes  similar  to  those  of  the  preceding 
days  presented  themselves.  Half  of  Westmoreland  appears 
to  be  mountain,  the  remainder  beautiful  vales  or  cultivated 
hill-side  ;  and  now,  May  31,  having  been  perforce  stopped 
by  my  kind  Westmoreland  friends,  the  Mr.  W.'s,  I  enjoy 
every  comfort  the  body  can  desire,  accompanied  by  elegant 
Christian  hospitality  in  the  midst  of  some  of  the  most  exqui- 
sitely beautiful  scenery  in  the  world.  Here  I  am  literally 
constrained  to  remain  and  refresh  my  mind  and  body,  and 
if  I  do  not  recover  health  here,  1  know  where  it  can  be 
recovered.  Truly,  goodness  and  mercy  follow  me  still.  The 
Lord  he  praised.^'' 

The  Magazine  of  October  gave  this  intelligence — 
"  It  is  with  pain  we  are  constrained  to  inform  our 
readers,  that  the  interesting  Diary  of  our  absent  friend  and 
brother  is  interrupted  by  his  indisposition.  But  we  rejoice 
in  the  intelligence  that  goodness  and  mercy  still  attend 
him.  In  a  strange  land — affliction  pressing  hard  upon 
him — our  Heavenly  Parent  has  caused  to  spring  up  all 
around  him  the  kindest  soothings  of  friendship,  and  the 
most  abundant  displays  of  pure  Christian  benevolence.  May 
God,  of  his  infinite  mercy,  reward  those  friends  with  the 
smile  of  his  approving  love  here,  and  hereafter  may  they  be 
received  by  the  judge  of  quick  and  dead,  vvitli  '  Well  done, 
good  and  faithful  servants,  as  ye  have  done  this  to  one  of 
the  least  of  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me  ;  enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.'     Amen." 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


THE    CLOSE    OF    HIS    JOURNAL,    WHICH     HAS    NEVER    BEFORE 
BEEN    PUBLISHED. 


It  is  with  increased  satisfaction  that  I  am  permitted  to 
present  the  following  as  the  concluding  part  of  my  bro- 
ther's Journal — 

"  NEW  SERIES." 

^^  June,  1828. — After  closing  the  interesting  and  healthy 
ride  as  a  representative  of  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society,  my  courteous  Christian  friends  at  Whittington,  and 
elsewhere  in  the  vale  of  Loon,  constrained  my  continuance 
among  them.  In  the  reception  of  every  kind  attention, 
amid  scenery  of  remarkable  loveliness,  and  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  pious  society,  I  passed  the  days  with  great  satis- 
faction. I  experienced  no  want,  save  of  my  dear  family's 
presence  :  and  my  health  improved. 

"  Sunday  1st,  and  Sunday  8th  of  June,  heard  friend  W., 
Rector  of  W.,  in  the  morning.  He  preached  extempore  to 
a  congregation  quite  large.  The  Sunday-schools  of  his 
Church,  promising.  He  takes  the  first  class  and  teaches 
himself.  The  'Squire  of  the  parish  takes  the  second  class, 
though  the  latter  is  now  absent  as  a  member  of  Parliament. 
There  are  other  Sunday-schools  taught  in  the  neighbour- 
ing villages,  by  the  relatives  of  the  Rector  of  W.  I 
attended  at  one  of  these,  during  the  afternoon  of  each  of 
the  Sundays  named.     At  seven  o'clock,  on  each  of  these 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  459 

days,  addressed  a  word  of  exhortation  to  the  servants  and 
neighbouring  cottagers  gathered  together,  according  to 
custom,  in  the  hall  of  the  kind  host  who  is  my  Gaius. 
How  grace  sanctifies  every  thing,  and  makes  every  coun- 
try pleasant.  The  happiest  hours,  I  know,  are  spent  with 
my  Bible  and  in  religious  exercises.  In  these,  I  find  my  spirit 
refreshed.     I  find  that  God  is  the  same  every  where. 

"  The  school  for  the  daughters  of  clergymen,  established 
by  my  friend  W.,  being  m  my  neighbourhood,  I  gratified 
my  own  feelings  in  complying  with  his  request  to  introduce 
a  Bible-class  among  them.  In  a  visit  of  a  day  or  two, 
which  I  paid  to  the  school,  I  gave  the  superintendent  a 
complete  view  of  the  Bible-class  system ;  saw  a  class  of 
about  twenty-five  pupils  formed,  and  was  otherwise  very 
much  gratified.  The  Rector  of  W.'s  wife  also  would  not 
rest  content  without  some  information  concerning  the  plans 
of  teaching.  Her  object  was  to  improve  the  opportunity, 
by  using  these  plans,  not  only  with  her  own  children,  but 
also  with  a  school  for  poor  girls,  taught  under  the  direction 
of  her  husband. 

"  Shut  out  from  preaching,  I  am  very  thankful  for  the 
privilege  of  doing  a  little  to  advance  the  cause  of  my 
blessed  Master.     He  is  always  gracious. 

"  The  delightful  walks  round  my  friend's  estate  invite 
to  occasional  rambles.  From  the  house  of  the  father,  to 
the  abode  of  the  son,  (both  of  whom  I  am  permitted  to 
number  among  hospitable  friends,)  extends  a  beautiful  range 
of  landscapes,  to  traverse  which,  through  meadow,  by  river, 
and  along  wood,  is  exceedingly  pleasant.  As  there  is  no 
great  heat  in  the  climate  at  present,  I  go  about,  the  dis- 
tance of  some  miles,  not  unfrequently.  The  flocks,  green 
pastures,  and  limped  stream,  are  illustrative  of  the  twenty- 
third  Psalm.  The  Loon  is  narrow,  but  winding,  and  in  a 
high  degree  picturesque.  Over  it,  near  Kirkby  Lonsdale, 
is  a  firm  stone  bridge,  built  as  long  ago  as  in  1300 — perhaps 


460  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

before.  Several  splendid  estates  being  in  the  vale  of  Loon, 
the  beauty  of  architecture,  and  taste  of  the  man  of  litera- 
ture, embellish  the  scene. 

"  On  Sunday  the  1st,  had  the  satisfaction  of  approaching 
the  Lord's  Table.  May  that  privilege  be  more  and  more 
a  source  of  thankfulness.  I  need  grace  and  strength  mo- 
ment by  moment.  Oh  that  my  heart  may  be  filled  vs^ith  the 
influences  of  the  blessed  Spirit.  The  Lord  do  with  me  as 
seemeth  to  Him  good. 

"  In  7ne,  that  is  in  my  flesh,  dwelleth  no  good  thing. — I 
look  upon  my  past  life,  it  appears  almost  as  if  it  had  been 
a  dream." — "  I  ask,  as  I  look  forward  upon  the  future — 
will  the  Lord  make  use  of  me  for  any  good  purpose  ? — Oh 
Lord  use  me,  enable  me  to  say  concerning  all  to  come — 
What  thou  wilt — when  thou  wilt — how  thou  wilt. 

"  The  following  were  written,  June  1st,  on  hearing  of  a 
sick  daughter  of  my  aged  friend  W.  For  nine  years  she 
has  not  left  her  room,  which  is  continually  darkened. 

"  Sweet  is  the  peace  which  Jesus  gives, 
To  her  who  in  his  power  believes ; 
He  calms  the  troubles  of  the  mind, 
Gives  light  of  a  celestial  kind  : 
And  opens  on  the  aching  eye, 
The  glories  of  eternity. 

"  Darkness  may  seem  to  shroud  you  now, 
And  pain  may  dwell  within  your  brow  : 
But  Jesus  will  your  soul  illume ; 
His  smile  will  dissipate  your  gloom : 
The  suffering  hour  will  swiftly  fly  : 
With  Him  your  God,  your  Saviour  nigh. 

And  when  within  the  realms  above, 
You  taste  his  everlasting  love,  ' 

You'll  praise  Him  with  unceasing  song, 
For  moments  which  may  now  seem  long. 
Courage  then,  sister,  trust  in  God, 
And  bow  submissive  to  his  rod. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  401 


"  That  rod,  like  Aaron's,  soon  shall  bloom ; 
It's  flowers  shall  yield  a  rich  perfume : 
And  heavenly  fruits  shall  soon  be  found 
To  grow  that  gracious  rod  around. 


To  Elizabeth  C.  W- 


Sick  and  in  a  dark  room. 
Casterton  Hall,  Westmoreland,  ) 
June  1st,  1828.  ^ 

"  Friday,  June  IBth. — Set  out  from  Kirkby  Lonsdale,  to 
attend,  at  the  desire  of  the  officers  of  the  Church  Mis- 
sionary Society,  sundry  meetings  of  auxiliary  societies  in 
various  places.  The  plan  was  arranged  previous  to  my 
leaving  London.  I  consented  to  it,  not  merely  because  I 
desired  to  be  doing  good,  but  because  I  feel  that  riding  is 
calculated  to  restore  my  health :  and  addressing  a  public 
meeting  each  day  or  two,  a  few  minutes,  can  do  me  no 
harm.     I  bless  God  for  these  privileges. 

"  Sunday,  June  15th,  was  spent  in  the  city  of  York, 
where  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  Church  Missionary 
Society,  and  another  clergyman  from  the  neighbourhood  of 
London,  preached  for  the  promotion  of  the  objects  of  the 
Society.     Ninety  pounds  collected  at  four  Churches. 

"  York  has  twenty-three  Churches,  besides  the  Minster. 
The  Minster  has  an  imposing  appearance,  which  belongs 
to  none  of  the  other  buildings  I  have  yet  seen.  The  whole 
of  the  interior,  almost,  being  beheld  at  one  view,  causes  an 
overwhelming  effect.     'Tis  simple  grandeur. 

"The  Churches  are  extremely  antique  in  their  appear- 
ance. Two  hundred  years  is  considered  a  very  modern 
date — several  are  five  or  six  hundred  years  old.  They  are 
so  many  immense  mouldering  sepulchres.  So  many  asso- 
ciations of  past  times  are  united  with  them.  Monuments 
of  great  age,  with  here  and  there  an  effigy  in  stone,  tell  of 
the  lords,  knights,  &lc.,  known  in  days  long  since  departed. 

"  I  saw  the  exterior  of  the  cabinet  which  was  Charles 
R  r 


462  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

First's  private  study  during  his  troubles.  It  is  attached  to  the 
remains  of  the  palace  of  that  day.  Ruins  of  the  days  of 
Constantino  are  here.  The  tower,  which  they  still  call 
Constantino's  mint :  St.  Helen's  Church,  and  St.  Helen's 
square :  Roman  walls :  Roman  brick,  &c.  A  mound  is 
near  the  city,  which  is  in  memory  of  the  Emperor  Severus. 
Coffins  of  stone  ;  urns  containing  ashes  of  the  dead  ;  altars, 
and  other  Roman  remains,  are  frequently  discovered.  A 
stone  wall  in  good  preservation  surrounds  the  city  still; 
the  old  gates  of  stone  still  stand,  as  originally  erected,  or 
rebuilt.  'Tis  a  city  of  most  interesting  recollections. 
Rome,  and  Britain  ;  the  Saxon,  Dane,  and  Scot ;  Cromwell 
and  Charles — all  the  past,  for  two  thousand  years,  have  here 
a  monument.  What  a  lesson  concerning  the  vanity  of 
earth.  The  tomb  of  men  of  mighty  name — the  tomb  of 
empires !  Chrisfs  Kingdom  Jlourishes  for  ever.  What  a 
privilege  to  be  an  humble  servant  of  such  an  empire  as  that 
of  Jesus  ! 

"  ClifTord's  tower,  built  by  William  Rufus,  still  remains: 
ancient  indeed  in  appearance,  and  remarkable  for  the  death 
of  several  hundred  Jews  :  M^ho  being  oppressed,  and  closely 
besieged  in  that  tower,  put  each  other  to  death,  till  the  last 
man  slew  himself.  The  proof  of  Popish  days  being  barba- 
rous, certainly  is  striking.  Those  of  our  ancestors  who 
besieged  the  Jews  were  Roman  Catholics.  May  our 
activity  for  the  good  of  the  Jews,  prove  that  we  have  read 
that  Bible  which  Protestantism  circulates. 

"  Monday,  \Qth  June. — I  have  the  comfort  of  sojourning 
in  the  family  of  a  gentleman  and  lady,  much  engaged  in  pro- 
moting the  cause  of  the  Church  Missionary  Society.  The  lady 
is  president  of  one  of  the  associations.  This  morning,  the 
gentlemen's  Committee,  together  with  a  few  ladies,  break- 
fasted in  one  of  the  large  rooms  of  this  mansion  :  and  again, 
at  twelve  o'clock,  a  meeting  was  held  in  another  room, 
consisting  of  the  ladies  who  are  collectors.     This  assem- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  463 

blage  reminded  me  much  of  a  Bible-class  meeting.  In  the 
afternoon  went  to  Todcaster,  distant  nine  miles,  in  a  post- 
chaise,  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Church  Missionary 
Society.  After  taking  tea  at  the  Vicarage,  attended  the 
meeting  of  the  Todcaster  Association.  The  meeting  was 
made  more  delightful  by  the  presence  of  a  school,  consist- 
ing of  a  large  assemblage  of  young  persons.  This  school 
of  young  ladies  is  in  the  habit  of  annually  devoting  a  con- 
siderable sum  for  the  purposes  of  this  society.  Indeed  is 
it  gladdening  to  see  the  young  engaging  in  such  a  work. 

"  After  the  meeting,  had  a  pleasant  ride  to  York,  during 
which  enjoyed  some  profitable  converse  with  Christian 
brethren.  Our  theme  was,  in  part,  the  religious  instruction 
of  youth  :  and  oh,  that  all  felt  that  theme. 

"  Tuesday,  17th  June. — Attended,  with  the  Secretary,  a 
fine  school  of  sixty  boys,  which,  in  seven  years  past,  has 
sent  fifty  pounds  to  the  society.  I  cannot  but  hail  such 
efforts  with  delight.  May  God  graciously  bless  all  the 
rising  generation.  I  beseech  him  to  put  it  into  the  souls 
of  his  people  to  attend  more  to  the  evangelizing  of  the 
young.  They  must  be  attended  to  more,  to  attain  the  con- 
version of  the  world.     This  is  the  mighty  theme. 

"  Tuesday,  11th  June. — Church  Missionary  Association 
at  York  held  a  meeting  at  eleven  o'clock — the  patriarch 
of  the  place,  the  aged  Mr.  G.,  presiding.  In  York,  are 
ten  or  twelve  active  clergymen — a  large  proportion.  A 
second  meeting  was  held  in  the  evening.  The  collections, 
on  Sunday  and  to-day,  one  hundred  and  sixty-four  pounds. 
Parted  with  my  very  warm-hearted  and  truly  affectionate 
friends  here  with  gratitude.  I  am  truly  thankful  both  to 
God  and  to  them.  During  my  visit,  I  learned  that  Dr. 
Pilmore,  my  predecessor,  left  York  for  America,  when  he 
last  removed  from  England.  A  person  with  whom  he  dined 
on  the  day  of  his  leaving,  called  on  me.  He  knew  him 
well.     A  man  who  knew  his  parents  also,  came  to  see  me. 


464  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

The  Rector  of  the  parish  where  Dr.  P.  was  born,  is  to 
search  the  Register,  and  send  me  the  account  of  his  bap- 
tism. I  find  his  occupation,  when  young,  was  that  of  farm- 
ing, on  the  place  of  a  Mr.  Ellerby. 

"  In  the  morning  of  Wednesday,  18th  June,  started  in  a 
post-chaise,  along  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Church  Mis- 
sionary Society,  and  enjoyed  a  pleasant  ride  to  Ripon, 
twenty-six  miles.  There  went  to  the  house  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Kelrington,  who  has  erected  in  Ripon,  a  large  beautiful 
church.  The  only  church  beside  this,  was  built  centuries 
ago ;  is  called  a  minster,  and  indeed  has  all  the  appear- 
ance of  a  cathedral :  a  massy  ancient  pile,  like  the  old 
churches  generally,  of  gray  stone.  The  organization  of  a 
new  Church  Missionary  Society,  auxiliary  to  the  Parent 
Society  here,  took  place.  Several  faithful  ministers  took 
part  in  the  exercises.  I  find  more  and  more  reason  to  be 
thankful  for  the  vast  improvement  taking  place  in  the 
Church  of  England.  Spiritual,  praying,  devoted  men,  are 
found  every  where.  All  speak  of  the  change,  but  yet 
many,  vastly  too  many,  are  dead  weights  on  the  Church. 
True  men  form  but  a  minority.  The  Lord  increase  their 
number. 

"  At  Mr.  K.'s  is  the  widow  Pooley,  late  Miss  Unwin, 
daughter  of  Cowper's  Mary.  She  has  advanced  to  more 
than  eighty  years:  is  spending  her  days  beneath  Mr.  K.'s 
roof,  and  communicates  some  information  concerning  the 
poet  Cowper. 

"Morning  of  Thursday,  19th,  we  mounted  a  coach  and 
rode  to  Harrowgate,  the  famous  watering  place  :  passed  a 
sulphur-spring — breakfasted  with  a  pleasing  clergyman — 
then  took  a  chaise  and  started  across  the  moors  to  towns  in 
other  parts  of  Yorkshire.  Sixteen  miles  from  Harrowgate 
is  Bolton  Abbey.  The  river  winding  through  the  vale — 
the  ruins — the  lovely  carpet  of  verdure,  the  woods  and 
hilly  banks,  with  a  beautiful  cascade,  &;c.,  cause  the  visit 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  465 

to  the  Abbey  to  interest  in  a  high  degree.  I  passed,  when 
going  to  York  last  Friday,  the  ruins  of  Kirksdale,  an 
Abbey  exceedingly  beautiful  as  a  ruin.  'Tis  in  a  rich  vale, 
covered  either  with  ivy  or  overshadowing  trees;  and  as  the 
declining  sun  threw  its  rays  over  it,  it  was  highly  pictur- 
esque. Five  miles  from  Bolton,  we  found  Skipton,  at 
which  an  association  was  formed.  From  S.,  we  travelled 
that  evening  to  Keighly,  in  company  with  the  excellent 
clergyman  of  K.,  with  whom,  and  his  amiable  wife,  I  passed 
the  time  most  agreeably,  until  Monday,  June  23d. 

"  June  23(Z. — Having  experienced  the  gracious  hand  of 
the  Lord  to  very  great  extent  of  blessing,  in  body  and  in 
soul,  at  Keighly,  it  is  both  duty  and  delight  to  praise 
him.  I  feel  much  as  Cowper  felt,  when  released  from 
disease :  for  my  strength  seems  returning  to  me,  and  my 
mind  experiences  relief  in  consequence.     True, 

"  '  Sickness  and  death  may  both  agree, 
To  bring  me  Lord  at  last  to  thee  ;' 

"  Still,  the  feelings  of  a  husband  and  parent  find  gratifica- 
tion in  return  of  health ;  as  it  gives  a  promise  that  my 
children  may  not  be  so  soon  orphans,  nor  my  wife  a 
mourner.      The  good  Lord  reigneth. 

"  My  Christian  friend  at  K.  was  every  thing  I  could 
desire  for  courteous  hospitality — the  rural  character  of  his 
residence  extremely  healthful.  The  situation  of  the  house, 
on  a  high  hill,  surrounded  with  shrubbery,  a  garden  and 
fields,  with  vales  and  hills  spreading  a  fine  landscape 
around,  is  truly  pleasant.  Left  K.  with  my  kind  host  and 
his  partner,  Monday  23d,  and  proceeded  over  the  moors 
to  Halifax,  another  place  remarkable  for  manufactures. 
There  staid  with  a  family  living  in  the  midst  of  a  beauti- 
ful garden  and  field  adjoining  the  place.  H.  is  not  a  com- 
pact place,  but  scattered  o'er  considerable  surface.  One 
of  the  hills  near,  along  with  my  Gaius  at  H.,  I  ascended. 

r2 


4G6  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

As  we  looked  down  on  the  parish  church,  he  stated  the 
traditions  of  the  country  concerning  the  Druids  and  the 
Papists,  who  formerly  worshipped  near. 

"  On  Tuesday  2Ath,  rode  through  this  district  of  vil- 
lages filled  with  manufacturers,  four  miles  to  Sawerby. 
There  I  spent  the  day  with  a  warm-hearted  Christian  bro- 
ther and  his  wife,  and,  our  Church  Missionary-meeting 
over,  walked  to  H.  along  with  the  Secretary.  Wednesday, 
rode  in  a  chaise  from  our  friend's  door  in  Halifax,  to  a  name- 
sake's, adjoining  Huddersfield.  This  gentleman  is  a  most 
amiable  Christian.  His  house  beautifully  situated  amidst 
elegant  grounds,  tastefully  laid  out.  A  large  gothic  church, 
built  by  him,  is  not  far  from  his  house.  His  brother-in-law, 
Whitaker,  has  erected  another  church,  a  mile  and  a  half 
distant.  In  the  evening,  held  our  Missionary-meeting  at 
H.  Thursday,  went  in  a  chaise  to  Hanley,  four  miles, 
where  a  clergyman, lately  a  naval  officer, presided.  Friday, 
rode  eight  miles  to  Liversedge,  and  attended  a  meeting  : 
in  the  evening  of  the  same  day  another,  near  Huddersfield, 
at  Mr.  W.'s  new  church,  where  another  military  officer 
from  the  army  now  is  ordained  and  officiates.  Met  a  min- 
ister of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  Mr.  Raynold's, 
of  Maryland,  originally  from  this  neighbourhood.  Am 
delighted  at  finding  so  many  spiritual,  evangelical  minis- 
ters all  over  this  country.  My  time  passes  most  pleasantly, 
and  my  health  is  improving.     My"     *     *     *     *     *     * 

The  Journal  closes  thus  abruptly.  I  have  not  been  able 
to  find  any  thing  further  among  my  brother's  papers,  in  a 
journal  form.  A  passing  regret  may  cross  our  bosoms,  but 
it  is  all  right ;  the  Lord  our  Heavenly  Father  has  ordered 
all  for  the  best. 

I  rejoice,  with  adoring  gratitude,  that  we  have  been 
kindly  favoured  with  so  full  an  account  of  his  movements, 
and  especially  that  such  continued  and  satisfactory  evidence 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  467 

arises,  at  almost  every  turn  of  his  path,  of  the  genuine 
work  of  piety  in  his  soul.  In  fact,  it  appears  as  if  a  gra- 
cious Providence  conducted  him  from  those  scenes  of  painful 
excitement  and  effort,  which  almost  overwhelmed  his  soul ; 
and  placed  him  in  the  midst  of  that  peaceful  calm,  where 
nature  and  art  combine  all  their  loveliness,  and  invite  to 
serene  enjoyment,  in  order  that  he  might  be  enabled  more 
satisfactorily  to  dress  his  soul  for  the  skies.  Blessed  be 
God,  the  golden  opportunity  was  not  afforded  him  in  vain. 
We  behold  the  mind  unfolding  its  strength,  the  fancy  play- 
ing in  the  sun-beams  of  nature,  and  the  affections  fastening 
themselves  more  securely  on  the  Heaven  of  Heavens :  yea, 
we  see  the  sinner  in  the  dust  of  self  abasement;  panting 
after  the  Holy  Spirit  and  the  glory  of  God : — We  behold 
the  anxious  solicitude  of  a  parent  and  husband  reaching 
forth  for  health,  but  every  feeling  resolved  into  the  good 
pleasure  of  the  Lord.  Though  in  many  respects  a  conflict 
was  carried  on  in  his  bosom,  yet,  by  the  grace  of  his  blessed 
Redeemer,  see  his  new  man  triumphing  in  every  conflict, 
with  the  glorious  assurance,  "  The  good  Lord  reigneth.'''' 
Oh  !  do  we  not  discover,  in  this  my  brother's  closing  expe- 
rience, the  cheering  declaration  verified,  "  Thou  wilt  keep 
him  in  perfect  peace,  whose  mind  is  staid  on  thee  ;  because 
he  trusteth  in  thee  ?"  May  all  who  read,  be  therefore  encou- 
raged to  "  Trust  in  the  Lord  for  ever ;  for  in  the  Lord 
jKaovAH  is  everlasting  strength." — Isaiah,  xxvi.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


EXTRACTS   FROM   HIS   ADDRESSES    BEFORE   THE   BENEVOLENT 

SOCIETIES    OF    ENGLAND. EXTRACTS    FROM    HIS    CLOSING 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

Anxiovs  to  present  as  full  an  account  as  possible,  of  the 
closing  labours  of  my  brother  in  the  cause  of  the  blessed 
Redeemer,  I  arranged  considerable  extracts  from  some  of 
his  addresses  at  the  anniversary  meetings  of  the  Benevolent 
Societies  of  England.  As,  however,  this  volume  is  so  un- 
expectedly increasing  before  me,  I  am  constrained  to  omit 
a  large  proportion. 

The  following  is  retained  as  illustrating  his  manner ;  as 
recording  important  facts,  and  unfolding  his  sentiments  and 
devotion  in  the  cause  of  the  Gospel. 

In  the  English  paper  entitled  "The  Record,"  of  May  9th, 
is  given  an  imperfect  account  of  his  address  before  the 
British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  They  represent  him  as 
saying — 

"  Some  time  ago,  in  the  interior  of  New- York,  it  was 
thought  desirable  that  every  family  in  the  state  of  New- 
York  should  have  a  copy  of  the  Bible.  A  resolution  was 
passed  to  supply  every  destitute  family  with  a  copy,  and 
that  resolution  was  carried  into  effect.  In  New-Jersey,  a 
similar  resolution  was  carried  into  complete  effect.  In 
Philadelphia,  the  same  resolution  was  adopted  for  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  great  work  was  in  progress.  The 
venerable  Bishop,  the  last  of  those  who  had  been  ordained 
in  England  for  the  Episcopal  Church  of  America,  was  the 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  469 

President  of  this  Society.  Resolutions,  similar  to  that  he 
had  stated,  were  taken,  year  after  year,  and  by  state  after 
state,  until  it  embraces  those  states  containing  a  majority 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States ;  and  he  believed 
before  long  it  would  embrace  the  whole  of  the  United 
States.  In  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  the  destitute  families 
were  supplied  with  Bibles,  in  about  six  weeks.  The  reso- 
lution was  taken  about  the  middle  of  January,  and  about 
the  first  of  March  the  work  was  done,  and  easily  done. 
The  young  men  divided  themselves  into  sub-committees, 
and  when  the  work  in  hand  was  finished,  they  inquired 
whether  there  was  any  thing  else  to  be  done,  and  actually 
formed  themselves  into  an  association,  for  co-operating  with 
the  Society  for  distributing  the  Word  of  God  in  South 
America.  This  he  called  a  new  sera,  and  he  was  sure  the 
Society  would  hear  with  delight  what  they  were  enabled  to 
do  in  America.  Might  they  not  divide  the  world  between 
them.  It  was  a  bold  thought,  but  he  conceived  not  im- 
practicable. England  had  its  peculiarities,  and  so  had 
America ;  but  here  they  had  but  one  object,  and  those  he 
addressed  he  was  sure  would  bless  God  for  what  they  heard. 
There  was  enough  to  require  the  exertions  of  the  friends 
of  the  Gospel,  in  both  countries.  In  the  voice  of  a  stran- 
ger he  might  be  allowed  to  say,  '  Go  on,  Christ  is  your 
Captain  ;  on  your  sword  his  name  is  written.  Go  on,  until 
the  kingdoms  of  the  world  are  kingdoms  of  the  Lord.'  A 
cloud  of  witnesses  surveyed  them  from  above  and  cried, 
'  Onward.' 

"  From  Greenland's  icy  mountains, 
From  India's  coral  strand, 

Where  Afric's  sunny  fountains 
Roll  down  their  golden  sand ; 

From  many  an  ancient  river, 
From  many  a  palmy  plain, 

They  call  us  to  deliver 

Their  land  from  error's  chain. 


470  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Shall  we,  whose  souls  are  lighted. 

By  wisdom  from  on  high, — 
Shall  we  to  men  benighted, 

The  lamp  of  life  deny  1 

Salvation !  oh  salvation ! 

The  joyful  sound  proclaim — 
Till  each  remotest  nation 

Has  learnt  Messiah's  name ; 
Till  o'er  our  ransom'd  nature 

The  Lamb  for  sinners  slain, 
Redeemer,  King,  Creator, 

In  bliss  returns  to  reign." 

In  conclusion,  he  observed,  that  he  had  at  first  addressed 
the  Chairman  by  the  simple  title  of  Mr.  President.  That 
title  he  had  chosen,  not  only  because  it  was  more  suitable 
to  the  habits  of  the  country  from  which  he  came,  but  be- 
cause he  thought  the  title  of  President  of  the  British  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society  was  the  most  honourable  he  could 
address  him  by,  or  that  it  was  possible  to  bestow  on  him." 

Another  paper,  "  The  World,"  in  giving  an  account  of 
the  same  meeting,  puts  the  following  in  my  brother's  mouth  : 

"  There  was  a  period  when  it  would  have  been  a  modern 
phenomenon  to  see  dignified  lay  members  of  the  Church 
uniting  with  dissenting  ministers  in  promoting  a  common 
object.  But,  thanks  be  to  God,  this  was  no  longer  a  phe- 
nomenon. Through  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 
a  moral  change  had  been  produced.  Who  could  see  the 
spirit  exhibited  to-day,  without  exclaiming,  '  How  good 
and  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in 
unity !'  He  hoped  this  feeling  would  increase  more  and 
more,  till  the  armies  of  Immanuel  should  no  more  be 
divided,  but  should  all  be  united  in  one  common  bond,  to 
obtain  one  common  object ;  namely,  the  conversion  of  the 
whole  world  to  the  Christian  faith.  Mr.  A.  then  gave  a 
detailed  account  of  the  Auxiliary  Societies,  formed  in  dif- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  471 

ferent  parts  of  North  America,  and  represented  them  as 
being  in  a  state  of  active  operation,  and  unprecedented 
prosperity." 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Sunday-School  Union,  he  is  repre- 
sented by  the  paper  of  May  14,  as  saying — 

"To  any  one  that  had  watched  the  progress  of  this 
increasing  growth  in  America,  it  was  really  little  less  than 
miraculous  :  an  institution  that  perhaps,  at  first,  did  not 
muster  more  than  half  a  dozen,  and  had  gradually  advanced 
upward  to  twenty,  thirty,  or  forty,  was  now  able  to  count  in 
.its  ranks  thousands  on  thousands ;  and  each  succeeding 
day  enlisted  fresh  scholars  on  their  list :  the  Lord  had 
blessed  it  in  its  progress,  and  by  means  of  the  continuation 
of  that  blessing,  he  had  no  doubt,  that  he  should  see  it 
successfully  spreading  itself  in  every  direction.  The 
meeting  would  therefore  perceive,  from  this  feeble  de- 
scription, what  might  be  the  happy  results  of  their  efforts, 
and  he  therefore  could  not  but  exhort  them,  to  pursue  stea- 
dily the  course  that  it  gave  him  so  much  gratification  to  see 
that  they  had  embraced.  He  would  say  to  them,  as  the 
President  of  a  College,  whom  he  knew,  had  said  to  some 
young  men  who  were  going  forth  into  life,  '  Young  gentle- 
men, you  are  going  forth  at  a  most  interesting  period  of 
time.  If  you  act  only  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  you 
have  only  to  put  your  hand  to  the  world,  and  it  will  roll 
before  you :  every  difficulty  will  vanish,  if  you  attempt  it 
for  Christ's  sake.'  This  is  what  he  said  to  that  meeting, 
and  if  they  wanted  encouragement,  he  would  bid  them 
look  towards  America." 

The  following  grateful  incident,  we  cannot  withhold — 

"  And  with  respect  to  those  schools,  established  for  these 

children  of  colour,  there  was  a  little  circumstance  which 

he  would  relate  to  the  Meeting,  as  it  served  to  show  the 

good  feeling  that  was  prevalent  among  them.     One  of  the 


472  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

girls  of  that  school,  perceiving  that  he  was  about  to  quit 
Philadelphia  for  England,  had  sent  him  a  watch-chain, 
which  she  herself  had  made  with  great  care,  and  which 
manifested  not  only  industry,  but  even  taste  in  the  forma- 
tion :  on  it  was  worked  an  anchor,  with  the  motto,  '  Trust 
in  God !'  And  it  had  occurred  to  him,  that  as  he  was 
about  to  quit  his  country  and  go  across  the  ocean,  in  the 
course  of  which,  he  might  meet  with  scenes  which  would 
call  for  Divine  interposition  in  his  behalf,  she  had  adopted 
this  little  mode  of  reminding  him  that  in  placing  trust 
there,  it  would  not  be  in  vain  ;  and  he  might  say,  that  he 
had  found  such  to  be  the  case,  for  in  a  strange  land  he  had 
found  himself,  as  it  were,  at  home,  so  kindly  had  England 
received  him.  Knowing  what  were  their  feelings  on  the 
subject,  he  had,  since  his  arrival,  taken  the  liberty  of  pre- 
senting that  watch-chain  to  a  person  who  had  long  been 
interested  in  the  cause  of  Africa,  and  had  requested  his 
acceptance  of  it  as  an  evidence  of  what  a  child  of  colour 
was  able  to  effect.  He  perceived  that  he  was  already  anti- 
cipated in  pronouncing  the  name  of  that  individual,  as  the 
feelings  of  the  Meeting  had  outrun  his  tongue  : — his  name, 
however,  was  his  eulogy,  for  Wilberforce  would  ever  be 
hailed  as  the  friend  of  mankind."         *         *         *         * 

"  The  great  peculiarity,  however,  in  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia, was  the  Bible-classes  that  had  been  formed,  and  they 
had  arisen  from  this  circumstance.  Some  time  ago,  a  great 
inquiry  had  arisen,  as  to  how  they  could  obtain  more 
teachers  for  the  children  that  presented  themselves  at  the 
schools,  as  it  was  found  that  there  was  more  advantageous 
ground  to  be  occupied,  that  was  standing  idle  for  want  of 
those  very  instructors :  It  was  remembered,  that  a  vast 
number  of  youth,  when  they  attained  about  the  age  of  four- 
teen, had  quitted  the  schools,  because  they  began  to  think 
themselves  too  big  to  class  with  the  younger  ones,  and  that 
thus,  in  a  manner,  a  great  many  growing  teachers  had  been 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  473 

lost  to  the  Society :  it  was  at  length  resolved,  that  as  many 
of  these  boys  and  girls  as  possible  should  be  got  together, 
and  then  it  was  that  the  Bible-classes  first  came  to  be 
formed,  and  they  had  gradually  risen  to  the  number  of 
twenty,  thirty,  or  forty,  all  of  whom  cheerfully  gave  their 
attendance ,  and  thus  was  procured,  without  any  trouble,  a 
little  nursery  for  future  teachers ;  so,  that  now,  when  a 
class  of  children  was  formed,  there  was  no  difficulty  in  pro- 
viding them  with  an  instructor,  as  all  they  had  to  do  was  to 
go  into  this  hot-bed,  and  cull  one  of  the  most  promising. 
Another  advantage  that  also  arose  from  this  circumstance 
was,  that  their  link  was  now  complete  from  beginning  to 
end ;  and  whether  they  went  from  their  infant-schools  to 
their  adult-schools,  from  their  adult-schools  to  their  Bible- 
classes,  from  their  Bible-classes  to  their  teachers,  or  from 
their  teachers  to  their  clergymen,  they  were  all  now  pro- 
vided for." 

In  proposing  a  Resolution  at  the  Meeting  of  the  "  Port 
of  London  and  Bethel  Union  Society,"  my  brother  gave 
a  brief  history  of  the  life  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Eastburn. 

Before  the  Society  for  promoting  Christianity  among  the 
Jews,  he  observes — 

"  His  feelings  had  been  very  much  affected  by  the  chil- 
dren in  the  gallery  opposite  ;  for  he  recollected,  that  it  was 
to  the  Jewish  children  that  the  Saviour  first  said,  '  Suflfer 
little  children  to  come  unto  me.'  The  Americans  were 
lovers  of  England,  because  they  remembered  all  the  benefits 
they  had  derived  from  their  mother  country,  and  so  ought 
Christians  to  feel  a  deep  attachment  to  the  Jews  for  the 
Gospel's  sake ;  for  to  the  Jews,  after  all,  they  were 
indebted  for  all  they  knew  of  Divine  Revelation;  and 
therefore,  whosoever  blessed  the  Jews,  blessed,  in  fact, 
himself." 

ss 


474  MEMOIR  OF  THfi 

I  close  these  extracts  with  the  following,  which  was  pub* 
lished  in  our  Magazine  for  November,  and  was  taken  from 
the  Philadelphia  Recorder — 

"  Mr.  Editor  :— In  your  editorial  columns  you  expressed 
the  wish,  that  selections  might  occasionally  be  sent  you : 
and  I  avail  myself  at  once  of  the  opportunity  of  offering 
for  insertion  in  the  Recorder,  some  remarks  made  at  the 
last  anniversary  of  the  Prayer-book  and  Homily  Society  of 
England.  The  meeting  was  held  on  the  8th  of  May, 
1828,  at  the  London  Coffee-house — Lord  Bexley,  the  well- 
known  and  tried  friend  of  Bishop  Chase,  was  in  the  chair. 
I  particularly  desire  to  send  you  the  address  of  our  brother, 
Rev.  B.  Allen,  as  it  stands  printed  in  No.  5.  of  the  Occa- 
sional Papers  of  the  Society.  It  contains  some  very  inter- 
esting details,  and  the  whole  manner  of  it  is  remarkably 
chaste  and  good." 

He  thus  proceeds  : — "  I  can  assure  your  Lordship  and  this 
respectable  assembly,  that  the  feelings,  which  have  been 
expressed,  are  fully  reciprocated  by  multitudes  in  the 
United  States.  Political  bonds  have  been  and  may  be 
changed  ;  they  are  not  invariable  in  their  nature,  nor  is  it 
best  that  they  should  always  be  so  in  practice ;  but  there 
is  one  bond  in  common  to  Christians,  which  we  are  taught 
by  the  Scriptures  to  regard  as  one  that  must  exist  for  ever; 
a  bond  which  makes  us  feel,  as  we  are  passing  along  the 
path  of  this  wilderness,  that  we  are  children  of  one  Parent, 
members  of  one  family,  and  are  travelling  to  the  same 
home. 

"  It  is  difficult  for  your  Lordship  or  the  Agents  of  this 
Society,  in  distributing  Prayer-books  and  Homilies  among 
seamen,  to  judge  fully  of  their  feelings,  or  of  the  impor- 
tance of  that  distribution.  The  man  who  is  with  them  on 
shipboard,  who  sees  them  when  they  have  left  the  shore, 
and  are  separated  from  its  temptations,  can  perceive  more 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  475 

clearly  the  importance  of  these  efforts,  in  which  I  arn 
happy  to  see  you  engaged.  Having  recently  come  from 
that  situation,  I  can  state,  that  having  taken  with  me,  as  I 
did,  a  few  copies  of  the  Prayer-book,  they  were  received  by 
the  sailors  with  great  avidity :  the  Sundays  were  spent  in 
reading  them,  as  well  as  part  of  the  time  when  they  were 
in  watch  below :  and  in  our  little  circle  for  worship,  those 
who  had  them  seemed  to  possess  them  with  satisfaction. 
When  I  was  conversing  once  or  twice  with  the  officers  of 
the  ship  during  their  watch  on  deck,  they  expressed  to  me 
the  strong  feeling  they  had  of  the  importance  of  these 
labours.  The  second  mate  said  to  me,  '  I  was  an  exceed- 
ingly profane  man,  a  dreadful  blasphemer  ;  but  I  went  to 
one  of  the  places  of  worship  provided  for  sailors  ;  and  I 
have  not  blasphemed  or  profaned  the  name  of  God  since  : 
and  I  hope  I  shall  find  an  interest  in  the  salvation  of 
Christ.'  This  was  an  instance  unknown  to  the  preacher, 
and  it  was  a  circumstance  which  the  mate  was  more  likely 
to  make  known  to  a  person  sailing  with  him  than  to  one  on 
shore.  Such  instances  of  success  may  cause  you  to  thank 
God,  and  take  courage.  You  cannot  know  all  the  good 
effected  till  a  future  day. 

"  Having  come  from  America,  and  being  connected  with 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  there,  it  may  be  desirable 
that  I  should  state  my  views  concerning  institutions  of  this 
nature,  arising  from  the  circumstances  in  which  I  have  been 
placed.  We  hail  with  delight  the  prosperity  of  the  Bible 
Society.  But  the  first  question  asked  by  those  who  have 
read  the  Word  of  God  with  profit,  is.  What  shall  be  our 
mode  of  worship?  They  need  some  means  to  assist  their 
approaches  to  the  Throne  of  Grace.  We  know  that  prayer 
is  acceptable  in  any  form ;  and  that  the  broken  aspirations 
coming  from  the  heart  shall  be  regarded  with  favour  by  the 
God  of  grace :  but  man  is  a  social  being,  and  needs  some 
directions  for  social  worship.     The  Prayer-book  following 


476  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

the  Bible  is  exceedingly  desirable.  During  the  first  seven 
years  of  my  ministry,  it  was  my  lot  to  be  situated  as  Rec- 
tor of  a  parish  in  Virginia.  Virginia  once  had  her  hundred 
parishes,  and  her  large  and  venerable  buildings  ;  and  the 
Church  of  England  was  then  established  there.  But  at  the 
time  when  I  went  thither,  the  Church  was  a  ruin,  and 
every  part  of  the  land  presented  a  scene  of  desolation.  It 
was  not,  let  me  say,  because  the  Prayer-book  was  not 
excellent,  or  the  Articles  of  Religion  not  strictly  scriptural ; 
but  because  the  spirit  of  the  Prayer-book  had  unhappily 
been  wanting.  It  was  my  lot  to  go  into  a  land  of  entire 
desolation  ;  and  there  I  could  not  but  perceive  the  impor- 
tance of  the  Prayer-book.  In  the  midst  of  that  desolation, 
several  families  clung  to  what  they  considered  the  relics  of 
the  Church  ;  not  its  mouldering  walls,  but  its  devotional 
forms.  Mothers  of  families  retained  the  Liturgy,  prayed 
in  its  language,  and  put  it  into  the  hands  of  their  children. 
It  was  only  necessary  that  I  should  rear  this  standard  of  the 
Church,  and  they  flocked  around  it  instantly :  they  felt 
attached  more  than  ever  to  that  Liturgy  which  was  the 
means  of  thus  rallying  them;  and  by  the  blessing  of 
Almighty  God,  the  Church  was  seen  to  arise  and  put  on 
her  beautiful  garments  ;  and  the  Simeons  and  Annas 
departed,  blessing  and  praising  God.  There  had  been 
before  me  some  excellent  persons  of  other  communions 
there,  who  kept  alive  the  lamp  of  piety,  and  these  people 
had  gone  to  hear  them  :  but  the  moment  the  minister  of 
the  Church  came  with  the  Prayer-book  in  his  hand,  many 
flocked  to  him  at  once  as  their  shepherd. 

"  Allow  me  still  further  to  remark,  that  in  the  United 
States  we  have  found  the  importance  of  the  Liturgy  in 
another  point  of  view.  It  is  well  known,  doubtless,  to 
many  here  present,  that  Unitarianism  has  existed  to  a 
great  degree  in  the  Eastern  States,  in  Boston  in  particular." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  477 

"  But  since  the  organization  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
of  the  United  States,  not  one  single  congregation  of  that 
name  has  been  swept  away  by  it.  And  what  is  the  reason  ? 
Because  of  the  admirable  compendium  of  the  doctrines  of 
the  Gospel  diffused  through  the  Liturgy,  the  people  being 
accustomed  always  to  these  doctrines  from  infancy,  and 
having  them  recalled  to  their  mind,  as  they  present  their 
supplications  before  God,  the  instant  any  one  comes  to 
them  saying,  I  deny  the  Trinity,  they  refer  to  their  Prayer- 
book.  A  little  Church,  indeed,  in  Boston,  of  ancient  date, 
(before  the  Revolution)  under  some  peculiar  circum- 
stances; altered  its  Liturgy  ;  but,  since  the  time  that 
the  Liturgy  of  the  American  Church,  collectively,  was 
solemnly  agreed  upon,  somewhere  about  the  year  1790, 
not  one  of  the  Episcopal  congregations  has  fallen  into  those 
errors  ;  and  now  I  am  happy  to  add,  that  Unitarianism  is 
falling  before  the  truth  in  Boston.  The  Spirit  of  God  has 
gone  forth  accompanying  the  labours  of  faithful  ministers  ; 
the  standard  of  the  cross  is  rising,  and  multitudes  rallying 
round  it. 

"  Nor  is  this  all :  we  of  the  Episcopalian  Church,  in 
America,  have  no  connexion  with  the  government:  we 
have  no  extraneous  aid  whatever,  but  wherever  our  minis- 
ters go  in  the  spirit  of  those  prayers  and  homilies,  which  I 
conceive  to  be  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel,  inasmuch  as  they 
have  followed  the  Gospel  very  closely,  they  prosper.  The 
Christian  who  is  sober-minded,  seems  to  be  gratified  in 
finding  the  Church  a  refuge  and  a  resting  place  from  his 
toils  and  labours.  I  was  born  in  another  communion  in 
America ;  and,  therefore,  what  I  state  may  perhaps  be 
thought  worthy  of  more  attention,  as  these  are  the  results 
of  conviction  arising  from  study  and  observation.  After  a 
large  acquaintance  with  the  ministers  of  different  commu- 
nities, along  our  Atlantic  borders,  from  Boston  to  Balti- 
more, conviction  brought  me  to  the  Liturgy  at  first ;  and 
s2 


479  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

every  hour  since  has  led  me  to  love  it  more  and  more.  I 
am  happy  to  say,  the  Episcopal  Church  is  flourishing  in 
the  United  States  ;  and  I  believe  in  a  greater  degree, 
according  to  its  numbers,  than  any  other.  I  believe  that 
the  Spirit  of  God  is  resting  upon  it,  and  upon  its  ministers 
more  and  more  ;  and  this  (which  will  probably  strike  an 
English  audience  as  a  fact  of  some  importance)  though  our 
Church  is  destitute  of  any  extraneous  aids.  These  facts,  I 
hope,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  may  serve  as  some  slight 
encouragement  to  the  Society  to  proceed  in  its  labours, 
which  I  feel  to  be  of  more  than  ordinary  importance." 

The  individual  who  arranged  the  above  extracts  for  the 
Recorder,  thus  closes — 

"  I  am  persuaded,  Mr.  Editor,  that  the  more  our  admira- 
ble compendium  of  public  worship  is  known,  the  more  will 
it  be  admired ;  and  I  rejoice,  that  among  all  orthodox 
denominations  of  Christians  its  truly  Scriptural  and  spiri- 
tual character  is  allowed.  Let  the  pulpit  always  be  kept  as 
sound,  as  holy,  as  spiritual,  as  the  desk,  and  then  may  our 
Church  hope  to  realize  the  cheering  declaration  of  God  by 
the  Prophet,  '  The  reproach  of  his  people  hath  he  taken 
away  from  off"  all  the  earth.'  G.  T.  B." 

From  the  following,  we  learn  in  what  manner  my  bro- 
ther's labours  were  sought,  by  even  an  independent  clergy- 
man— 

"  KiRKBY,  Lonsdale,  June  2d,  1828. 

"  Rev.  Sir  : — Having  heard  that  you  are  stopping  at  Cas- 
terton  Hall,  for  a  few  days,  I  take  the  Christian  liberty  of 
requesting  your  assistance  at  our  Missionary  Meeting 
to-morrow  evening,  (June  8d)  which  will  be  held  in  the 
Independent  Chapel  of  this  place  ;  the  chair  to  be  taken  at 
7  o'clock. 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  479 

"  The  following  gentlemen  are  engaged  to  address  the 
meeting.  Dr.  Patterson,  late  of  Russia,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Curwen,  of  London,  Rev.  Mr.  Bell,  of  Lancaster,  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Jones,  of  Kendal.  It  would  afford  me  much  gratifica- 
tion to  see  you  at  my  house,  to  take  tea  with  Dr.  Patterson 
and  others,  to-morrow  afternoon,  and  remain  your's, 

"Respectfully,  S.  HEALEY, 

"  Independent  Minister. 
"  Rev.  Mr.  Allen." 

I  also  give  some  further  extracts  from  his  correspondence. 
He  wrote  to  his  wife — 

"Manchester,  April  19th,  1828. 

"  The  Lord,  my  dear  Harriot,  has  raised  me  up  friends 
at  every  step.  I  am  treated  with  the  utmost  kindness,  ten- 
derness, and  affection.  Last  night  I  spent  the  evening  with 
three  clergymen  and  their  wives,  together  with  others.  All 
things  seemed  much  as  if  I  were  in  America,  in  such  com- 
pany. At  the  close  of  the  evening,  the  Bible  was  put  into 
my  hands,  and  I  was  desired  to  pray.  A  hymn  having  been 
sung,  I  read  the  thirty-fifth  chapter  of  Isaiah,  said  a  few 
words  of  exhortation,  then  knelt  and  prayed — remembered 
you  and  all.     The  good  Lord  kindly  does  all  things  well. 

"The  good  clergyman,  with  whom  and  his  affectionate 
wife,  (Rev.  Mr.  Hollist,  of  Manchester,)  I  had  been  all  day, 
gave  me  up  their  own  bed  and  room  at  night.  This  morn- 
ing I  write  this  at  the  breakfast  table — Go  on  with  the 
coach  to  Birmingham  soon.'' 

Again —  "London,  May  10th. 

"  Dear  Harriot : — Mercies  multiply  on  every  hand.  Pain 
in  the  breast  I  have  part  of  the  time.  No  spitting  of  blood 
at  all  however.  This  is  perhaps  because  I  do  not  preach. 
I  wrote  so  much,  now  twenty-nine  sheets,  in  my  public 
letter,  every  friend  must  excuse  me,  and  look  to  that  for 
information. " 


480  MEMOIR  OF  THfi 

On  the  same  day  he  wrote  to  me — 

"  Dear  Thomas : — Having  addressed  ^t^e  public  meetings 
since  Sunday  last,  you  may  suppose  me  a  little  wearied. 
But  these  great  occasions  are  not  to  occur  again.      My 
health  improves;  but  preaching  would  lay  me  low  again. 
"  Love  to  all  the  world.  BENJAMIN." 

Again  to  his  wife — 

"  My  Dear  Harriot : — I  sit  down  to  write  a  letter,  at  the 
dwelling  of  Henry  Thornton.  It  is  Monday  the  19th  May. 
I  am  truly  desirous  to  see  all  of  you ;  but  I  believe  duty 
requires  this  long  absence :  the  Lord  will  make  it  pleasant 
therefore ;  at  least  as  much  so  as  can  be  expected. 

"  I  have  just  returned  from  walking  in  the  lawn  back  of 
the  house,  before  breakfasting.  'Tis  very  beautiful,  birds 
singing,  trees,  &c. 

"  Yesterday  went  to  Church,  at  the  Church  in  which 
Venn  used  to  preach.  Mr.  Dealtry  preaches  at  present. 
Attended  along  with  the  family.  This  morning  returned 
to  town.'' — "  I  just  thought,  in  walking  in  the  lawn,  that 
Newton,  Scott,  and  Cowper,  walked  there  along  with 
Thornton." 

"  Liverpool,  May  23d. 

"  Dear  Harriot : — I  came  here  yesterday  morning  to 
attend  the  meeting  of  the  Liverpool  Bible  Society.  A  very 
large  meeting  took  place  last  night — Adam  Hodgson,  Esq. 
in  the  chair — A  very  interesting  meeting.  To-day  I  go  on 
to  another  meeting,  at  a  distance  of  forty  miles  from  here, 
and  so  on,  resting  part  of  the  time,  and  riding  part  of  the 
time,  until  I  get  to  London.  Thus  I  am  privileged  to 
labour  in  a  way  that  is  better  for  me  than  any  other.  My 
health  improves  every  mile  I  ride.  The  truth  is,  I  am 
better  and  better  while  I  unite  such  exercise  with  merely 
attending  and  speaking  a  little  at  public  meetings.  I  am 
unable  to  preach ;  but  these  blessed  rides  are  as  new  life 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  481 

to  me.  I  go  as  the  Society's  representative.  I  am  to  go 
again  to  York,  in  a  short  time.  The  roads  are  so  fine,  and 
all  conveniencies  for  travelling  so  abundant,  it  is  delightful 
travelling.  Were  you  only  where  we  might  see  each 
other : — more  and  more  I  wish  to  see  you,  and  the  dear 
children,  but  all  is  for  the  best.  I  thank  my  Lord  that 
George  is  serious.  May  a  good  work  go  on  in  him.  I 
received  Thomas'  letter,  dated  12th  April,  in  London." 

"  A  few  pamphlets  are  put  up  to  go  along  with  this  letter, 
for  the  Magazine,  directed  to  Thomas,  and  some  pretty 
little  books  for  the  dear  children  ;  kiss  all  of  them  for  me. 

"  Tell  Mrs.  Perit,  I  am  unable  yet  to  procure  the  prints, 
dec,  there  being  no  one  deposit,  some  difficulty  exists. 
Lord  Bexley's  sister,  Mrs.  Vansittart,  promises  to  help  me 
on  my  return  to  London.     I  have  not  yet  drawn  the  money. 

"  I  am  called  upon  to  put  on  paper  a  few  letters  describ- 
ing our  Bible-class  system.  The  clergy  here  are  anxious, 
very  anxious  to  know  all  about  it. 

"  I  pray  the  Lord  to  bless  you  all." 

Relative  to  the  above,  he  also  wrote  to  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Woodruff,  London — 

"My  Dear  Brother: — My  time  has  been  occupied  here 
in  writing  a  description  of  the  mode  of  carrying  on  the 
Bible-class  of  St.  Paul's  Church. 

«  Affectionately  your's,  BENJ'N  ALLEN. 

"  At.  W.   C.    Wilson's,   Esq.,  near   Kirkby  Lonsdale, 
Westmoreland." 
He  wrote  to  me —  "  May  31st. 

"  Dear  Thomas  : — May  the  blessing  of  God  be  with  all 
of  you.  At  present  I  can  say  little  more.  My  returning 
strength  affords  reason  to  hope  I  may  be  enabled  by  and  by 
to  see,  or  write  to  you  fully.  I  pray  you  let  the  Lord  be 
your  confidence  in  every  thing.  Providence  provides  me 
exercise  in  travelling  all  over  England,  without  any  expense 


482  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

of  my  own ;  and  friends  in  the  greatest  abundance.  Busi- 
ness I  must  leave  in  your  hands.  Scott's  work  will,  I  hope, 
help  in  various  matters.     Affectionately  yours." 

On  the  same  day  he  wrote  to  his  wife — 

"England,  May  31st. 

"  Dear  Harriot : — I  am  in  the  enjoyment  of  every  com- 
fort ;  with  Christian  friends  in  the  county  of  Westmoreland, 
whose  country-seats  combine  in  and  around  them  the 
utmost  rural  felicity ;  and  even  the  luxuries  and  elegancies. 
Still,  my  love,  you  and  the  children  are  not  here.  The 
Lord,  I  trust,  is  gracious  to  you ;  nothing  equals  the  love 
He  has  to  you,  and  the  prayer  of  my  heart  is  to  him  con- 
tinually for  you.  I  hear  with  great  joy,  by  Thomas'  letter, 
that  George  is  more  and  more  Christian  in  his  heart. 

"  May  the  Holy  Spirit  come  upon  you  all.  Dear  wife, 
may  my  Harriot,  and  John,  Mary  Ann,  and  Benjamin,  and 
Henry,  every  one  be  filled  with  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  There  is  nothing  else  that  can  make  any  one  truly 
happy.  I  am  now  in  this  most  delightful  retreat,  under  the 
assiduous  attention  of  Christian  friends,  growing  stronger. 
My  side  is  a  little  troublesome ;  but  very  little.  J  feel 
better  in  every  other  respect  every  day.  I  sometimes  am 
tem[)ted  to  fly  to  Liverpool,  and  get  on  board  the  first 
packet,  and  go  home ;  but  that  would  be  very  far  from 
being  right  now.  August,  you  know,  my  love,  would  be 
a  trying  month  to  me  in  Philadelphia.  And  if  I  were  to 
go  now,  I  should  leave  my  designs  unaccomplished ;  and  I 
have  at  present  a  very  fair  prospect  of  succeeding." 

"  My  love,  the  above  had  been  written  and  I  went  down 
stairs ;  and  then  the  wealthy  clergyman  with  whose  kind 
family  1  now  am,  made  arrangements  for  all  my  manuscripts 
to  be  brought  here  from  London  ;  and  he  intends  publish- 
ing all  on  his  account,  and  sharing  the  fruits  with  me.  The 
profit  he  receives  will  be  given  to  a  Christian  charitable 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  483 

purpose.     The  prospect,  therefore,  is  of  something  for  this 

world,  and  the  next  too.     I  am  more  and  more  convinced 

the  Lord  led  me  to  England  for  good.     This,  then,  promises 

to  be  my  head-quarters,  at  least  for  some  time.     They  say 

they  will  make  health  return  to  me.     'Tis  a  delightful  land ; 

every  comfort  abounds  to  me.     Oh,  if  all  of  you  were  with 

me." 

"  Sawerby,  Yorkshire,  June  24th. 

"  Dear  Harriot : — I  feel  so  much  better  this  morning, 
and  have  felt  so  much  better  for  a  few  days  past,  that  really 
it  seems  to  me  as  if  a  new  lease  of  life  had  been  granted. 
Really,  my  strength  so  returns  to  me,  it  appears  as  if  I 
were  to  continue  many  years  on  earth ;  and  that,  instead 
of  leaving  you  and  our  dear  children,  I  am  to  be  allowed 
to  remain  with  you.  I  feel  very  thankful.  You  ask,  per- 
haps, why  I  speak  so  confidently  ?  The  spitting  of  blood  I 
had  before  I  left  home,  I  had,  you  know,  twelve  years 
since  ;  and  as  I  had  it  so  long,  it  seems  not  to  be  very  seri- 
ous. As  I  have  lived  with  it  so  long,  it  may  be  the  Lord's 
will  to  allow  me  to  live  with  it  to  a  very  old  age.  Care  in 
future,  avoiding  great  effort,  may  lengthen  my  earthly  date 
1  rejoice,  for  your  sake,  and  the  children,  though  I  desire 
in  every  thing  to  exclaim — The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 

*'  I  have  not  been  troubled  with  raising  blood  once  since 
I  left  home.  My  spirits  are  returning — my  strength  return- 
ing— and  really — thanks  to  a  gracious  Lord  for  his  abound- 
ing mercy — I  feel  myself  again.  Goodness  and  mercy 
follow  me  still. 

"  You  want  to  know  how  I  got  into  Yorkshire.  I  left 
London  to  visit  some  places,  Liverpool,  &c.,  for  the  British 
and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  That  left  me  at  a  charming 
place,  with  delightful  friends,  in  Westmoreland,  in  the  most 
beautiful  vale  of  Loon.  The  Church  Missionary  Society 
engaged  me  to  accompany  their  Secretary  to  certain  places; 
this  led  me  on  to  the  city  of  York. 


484  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  I  am  avoiding  preaching — only  talk  at  public  meetings, 
and  travelling,  in  delightful  society,  from  one  Christian 
friend  to  another;  seeing  the  most  interesting  and  curious 
scenes,  ruins,  cathedrals,  &c. — full  of  the  receipt  of  Chris- 
tian hospitality,  kindness  and  love  :  thousands  of  friends,  if 
I  needed  them ;  why  should  I  not  get  better  ? 

"  Places  visited  this  journey,  York,  Ripon,  Balton  Abbey, 
Skipton,  Keighley,  Halifax,  Sowerby,  near  Halifax :  To 
visit  this,  and  next  week  Carlisle,  &;c.  &c.  &c. — on  as  far 
as  Glasgow  in  Scotland.  Perhaps  from  Edinburg  I  may  go 
to  London. 

"  Your  letter  of  April  30th,  and  Thomas'  letter  of  May 
3d,  reached  me  at  York.  For  extract  you  gave  me  from 
dear  George's  letter,!  thank  you  most  heartily.  When  you 
next  write  to  George,  give  my  love  to  him ;  tell  him  he 
must  pray. 

"The  Infant  School,  I  trust,  goes  on  well.  I  wish  it  to 
go  on,  for  dear  little  Benjamin's  sake.  I  perhaps  can  take 
some  things  home  to  help  the  school  on. 

"  This  is  to  me  a  charming  land,  and  its  Christians  to 
me  a  delightful  people. 

"  As  to  my  expenses,  they  are  next  to  nothing.  I  am  not 
allowed  to  pay  any  thing  for  travelling  expenses.  I  wish 
to  say,  concerning  every  thing  the  Lord  does — What  thou 
wilt — ivhen  thou  wilt — how  thou  icilt. — Amen." 

"Lancaster,  July  5th. 
"  Dear  Harriot : — For  want  of  paper,  I  take  this  piece 
and  write  on  it,  to  inform  you  of  my  continued  improved 
health.  I  hope  ere  long  to  see  Scotland,  the  land  of  Mrs. 
Sawer.  The  trust  in  God  which  I  have,  makes  me  rely  on 
his  providing  for,  and  graciously  taking  care  of,  my  children 
and  you,  dear  Harriot.  The  confidence  which  Thomas  has 
inspired  me  with,  causes  me  to  think  that  the  congregation 
goes  on  well,  under  him  as  the  instrument.  May  the  Lord 
bless,  protect,  and  visit  you  all." 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  485 

His  last  letter  to  us  is  dated — 

"  Kendal,  Westmoreland  County,  ) 
England,  Sunday,  July  13th.      ^ 

"Dear  Love: — I  have  read,  and  am  thankful  for  the 
short  letter  of  your's,  accompanying  so  many  others.  I 
doubt  not  the  gracious  Lord  will  keep,  preserve,  and  blesa 
you,  and  that  all  of  us  may  meet  in  peace  and  safety.  I 
came  to  this  place  about  eight  days  ago  ;  being  a  little,  as 
usual  at  home,  at  this  season,  unwell.  I  continued  in  the 
families  of  very  kind  Quakers,  friends  and  relations  of 
Anna  Braithwaite  :  I  went  to  7neeting  last  Sunday  afternoon. 
In  the  morning,  went  to  the  parish  church,  and  heard  a 
very  good  sermon.  H.  E.'s  letter,  tell  her,  has  given  me 
great  satisfaction.  It  was  read  at  dinner  table  to-day  at 
the  house  of  my  particular  friend."         *         *         ♦         * 

"  Bless  little  Henry.  The  Thorntons,  in  London,  were 
pleased  and  surprised  .it  the  naming  him.  May  the  Lord 
bless  all  the  children.  May  your  soul  experience  more 
and  more  renewing  grace,  and  Ann,  and  Mary  Ann,  and 
Kitty  too.  George's  letter  delights  me.  I  hope  Harriot 
will  follow. 

"Take  care  of  the  seed  in  this  letter,  plucked  in  the 
hot-house  of  Benjamin  Haigh  Allen,  Esq.  of  Haddersfield. 
A  beautiful  running  vine  and  flower.  Plant  the  seed  in  a 
pot.  Be  careful  of  them.  B.  H.  Allen  is  marked  upon 
his  table  cloths,  towels,  &c.  &c.  He  has  erected  a  fine 
large  Church  at  his  own  expense. 

"  A  box  of  religious  books,  presents  to  me.  Ate.  6ic., 
went  by  the  July  packet,  directed  to  me.  Friend  Crewdsen, 
at  whose  house  I  am,  with  her  husband,  desires  her  Chris- 
tian love.  Friends  here  take  very  good  care  of  your  hus- 
band. Oft  do  they  speak  of  you  and  the  children.  Thej 
are  very  affectionate.  One  presented  me  ten  pounds  for 
travelling  expenses,  and  as  a  return,  I  gave  him  a  Poem, 
entitled,  Tamba  or  the  Slave  Trade. 
T  t 


486  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

*'  Love  to  Thomas.  Tell  him  his  accounts  gratify  me 
very  much." 

"  Some  medicine  put  up  for  me  by  a  very  skilful  physi- 
cian, has  been  of  much  use.'' 

"  I  start  to-morrow  for  Edinburgh.  Mrs.  Cameron  is 
there.     Pray  always  for  your  loving  husband." 

To  his  second  son  he  thus  wrote — 
"  Master  John  : — Your  letter  was  short — mine  is,  Pray 
to  God  to  give  you  a  good  heart. 

"  Your  dear  father,  BENJ'N.  ALLEN. 

On  the  same  sheet  of  paper,  he  also  wrote  as  follows  to 
a  member  of  his  Bible-class — 

"Kendal,  July  13th. 

"  Miss  Hannah  : — A  youth,  having  little  comparatively 
to  do,  indeed,  you  must  expect  to  write  me  very  long  let- 
ters, and  have  short  ones  returned.  Your  kind  prayers  I 
reciprocate.  May  the  Lord  bless  you  and  Mary,  your 
father  and  mother,  and  every  one  of  the  children.  I  pray 
that  Rees  may  go  on  stronger  and  stronger. 

"  Have  yet  to  see  those  females  about  whom  you  are  so 
anxious.  I  have  been  so  busy  for  the  Bible  and  Mis- 
sionary Societies,  I  have  yet  to  do  all  beside.  Having 
done  with  those  societies  at  present,  I  look  to  other  mat- 
ters."  "  Give  my  best  love  to  the  Bible-class.     The 

good  Lord  graciously  bless  all,  and  every  member.  I  trust 
they  seek  to  grow  in  grace." "  Take  care  of  the  Sun- 
day-school in    the    country." "  Blessed    Lord,  pour 

out  thy  Spirit  upon  all  in  and  around  PhiladelpiMa.  The 
vBork  of  the  Lord  prosper  !  Pray  that  I  may  he  kept.  With 
Mnc€r»  affection,  your  PASTOR." 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


ADDITIONAL  TESTIMONY  RELATIVE   TO    HIS  LABOURS  IN  ENG- 
LAND  PROSTRATION    OF    HIS    SYSTEM GOES    THROUGH    A 

COURSE    OF    MEDICAL    TREATMENT ARRANGEMENTS     FOR 

HIS  LEAVING  ENGLAND. 


The  following  additional  testimony  has  fallen  into  my 
hands,  relative  to  my  brother's  movements  in  England,  i 
first  present  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  one  of  his  parish- 
ioners addressed  to  myself — 

"  Philadelphia,  December  13th,  18.'50. 
"  Rev.  Sir : — I  was  in  England  at  the  same  time  your 
brother  was  there,  and  often  in  his  company.  He  appeared 
in  much  better  health  than  ho  had  been  for  some  time. 
He  said  he  thought  the  voyage  had  mended  his  health.  1 
was  myself  induced  to  think  so,  when  I  heard  him  several 
times  address  different  meetings  of  religious  societies, 
which  annually  meet  in  May  and  June.  It  was  in  Free- 
mason's-Hall,  Great  Queen  street,  a  room  much  larger 
than  St.  Paul's  church  ;  and  although  I  was  at  a  distance 
from  him.  I  heard  him  distinctly  :  this  gave  me  the  pleasing 
assurance  his  health  was  better.  I  was  with  him  on  Sab- 
bath-day, at  three  different  places  of  worship  :  the  same 
day  he  dined  with  me  at  my  nephew's,  a  pious  young  man, 
with  a  wife  and  children.  Your  brother  seemed  to  enjoy 
our  society  with  true  domestic  feeling,  and  took  an  early 
opportunity  of  expressing  himself  devoutly,  as  a  husband 


488  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

and  father,  in  the  hope  that  it  might  please  the  Almighty  to 
protect  him  and  return  him  safe  to  his  dear  wife  and 
children,  with  this  pious  ejaculation  (which  I  shall  never 
forget)  '  Not  my  loill,  O  Lord,  but  thine  be  done.' 

"  He  often  assured  me  he  had  been  received  in  a  kind 
and  friendly  manner  in  London,  by  some  of  the  bishops 
and  other  clergy,  and  a  number  of  the  most  opulent  resi- 
dents in  the  metropolis,  and  had  several  invitations  to  the 
country  seats  of  the  nobility  ;  he  spoke  in  high  terms  of  the 
kind  and  friendly  attention  of  Mr.  Wilberforce. 

"  It  unfortunately  happened,  he  left  London  without  my 
knowing  to  what  part  of  the  country  he  had  gone.  1  called 
several  times  at  his  lodgings,  but  could  get  no  information, 
but  that  he  had  sent  for  his  trunks.  The  last  time  I  saw 
him,  he  was  delivering  an  address  in  Freemason's-Hall. 

"  This,  dear  Sir,  is  a  brief  recollection  of  what  rests  on 

Iliy     Iltlliu     lOOpv/v^'.mg     .•■*"'•      .■••«>.••     ..^i.-tilltyll      UlUti!>^i.  ^■^■^ 

certainly  knew  his  worth,  and  that  he  imitated  his  Divine 
Master,  in  going  about  doing  good. 

"I  have  sent  you  some  English  newspapers,  printed  in 
London,  at  the  time  your  brother  was  there,  in  which  you 
will  observe  some  parts  of  addresses  delivered  by  him  at 
different  religious  meetings. 

"  Accept,  dear  Sir,  of  the  sincere  respects  of 

"  Your  friend,  &c.  ROB'T.  PULLEN." 

I  have  also  been  kindly  favoured,  by  Mr.  Charles  Stokes, 
of  this  city,  with  the  perusal  of  a  letter,  which  he  received 
from  Mr.  Charles  S.  Dudley,  Agent  of  the  British  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society.  I  take  the  liberty  of  here  placing 
an  extract,  which  relates  to  my  brother — 

"  Bible  Society  HorsE,      } 
London,  21st  January,  1830.  ^ 
"  My  dear  Cousin  : — It   would  be  difficult  to  describe 
the  feelings  of  my  mind  on  perusing  your  letter,  and  con- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  489 

versing  relative  to  the  writer  and  his  estimable  brother, 
with  the  lamented  individual  who  was  the  bearer  of  it." — 
"  And  what  a  consolation  to  you  and  to  all  his  surviving 
friends,  must  it  be  to  reflect,  that  he  who  was  the  bearer  of 
your  letter,  had  long  been  '  looking  unto  Jesus,'  and 
manifesting  an  interest  in  His  '  great  salvation.'  1  had 
several  opportunities  of  meeting  and  hearing  him,  and 
always  with  increased  pleasure.  Nor  do  I  recollect  many 
circumstances  which  excited  more  general  sympathy,  than 
that  mysterious  dispensation,  which  deprived  us  of  one  so 
deservedly  esteemed.  But  it  matters  little  in  comparison, 
by  which  of  his  commissioned  angels,  God  summons  his 
servants  to  their  rest ;  it  is  enough  for  us  to  know,  that  the 
rest  is  uninterrupted  and  eternal. 

"  Faithfully  and  affectionately, 

CHARLES  S.  DUDLEY." 

I  cheerfully  add  the  following  grateful  information  from 
The  Rev.  Dr.  Milnor,  who  attended  the  Anniversaries  in 
England,  the  year  after  my  brother— 

"  New- York,  October  28,  1831. 

"Rev.  and  Dear  Sir: — In  answer  to  your  inquiry,  in 
regard  to  the  reminiscences  of  your  lamented  brother, 
which  I  may  have  heard  during  my  visit  to  England,  last 
year,  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  say,  that  many  expressions  of 
the  high  sense  entertained  of  his  communications  and 
addresses  at  the  public  anniversaries,  fell  from  the  mouths 
of  very  respectable  speakers  at  thosp  which  I  attended.  In 
private  intercourse,  also,  he  was  often  spoken  of  in  very 
respectful  and  affectionate  terms,  and  deep  regret  mani- 
fested for  his  loss. 

"  While  Divine  Providence  continued  to  him  the  ability 
for  active  service,  he  was  unwearied  in  his  endeavours  to 
assist  in  those  great  religious  operations  in  which  our 
Christian  brethren  in  England  are  so  extensively  engaged, 

tS 


490  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

and  1  think  it  not  improbable,  that  exertions,  prompted  by 
the  purest  motives,  but  far  beyond  hi:?  strength,  may  have 
contributed  to  a  catastrophe,  so  afflicting  to  his  family  and 
friends,  so  enduringly  happy  for  himself. 

"  1  remain,  your  aliectionate  brother  in  Christ, 

"JAMES  MILNOR. 

"  Rev.  TuojiAS  G.  Allen." 

Though  it  is  grateful,  indeed,  to  contemplate  the  happy 
and  important  excitement  which  my  deai  brother's  last 
labours  produced  in  England ;  yet,  in  these  numerous 
efforts,  we  but  too  prominently  discover  the  cause  of  the 
speedy  prostration  of  his  frail  system.  To  every  rising 
emotion  of  our  bosoms,  however,  we  would  say.  It  is  the 
Lord,  who  hath  done  all  things  well. 

But  a  few  days  after  the  date  of  his  last  letter  to  hi« 
wife  and  others,  which  is  inserted  in  the  preceding  chapter, 
it  appears  that  his  mind  became  seriously  affected.  It  was 
a  gracious  Providence  which  placed  my  brother,  at  the 
time  of  this  great  trial,  so  near  those  dear  friends,  and 
especially  that  reverend  brother,  whose  fraternal  solicitude 
was  so  prominent  towards  a  stranger  in  a  strange  land. 

In  his  letter  to  one  of  my  brother's  parishioners,  he 
observes — ■ 

"Liverpool,  July  21st,  1828. 

"Knowing  how  much  you  are  interested  in  the  welfare 
of  your  dear  pastor,  Mr.  Allen,  1  am  led  to  think  that  I 
have  no  better  person  with  whom  to  confide  the  afflicting 
intelligence  of  his  present  state  of  trial. 

"  Instead  of  giving  himself  that  rest  in  England,  which 
his  health  evidently  wanted,  he  too  easily  complied  with 
the  numerous  solicitations  of  friends,  to  attend  and  speak 
at  public  religious  meetings.  The  excitement  has  proved 
very  injurious,  and  I  am  concerned  to  say,  has  considera- 
bly unsettled  his  mind.     In  fact,  for  the  last  fortnight,  hf> 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  491 

his  manifested  a  great  degree  of  mental  aberration.  I  am 
minister  of  a  parish  thirteen  miles  north  of  Lancaster,  and 
after  he  had  been  on  a  visit  to  me,  and  my  father,  for  above 
a  fortnigiit,  he  went  to  Kendal,  where  his  unsettlednesa 
came  on,  and  I  was  sent  for,  express,  last  Thursday.  He 
seemed  not  too  ill  to  effect  his  voyage  home,  and  I  brought 
him  on  Friday  to  Liverpool,  finding  that  a  vessel  sailed  for 
Philadelphia  to-day.      ******* 

"  The  probability  is,  that  he  will  not  be  well  enough  to 
sail,  and  we  shall  then  put  him  under  proper  medical  treat- 
ment, in  the  hope,  tliat,  in  a  week  or  two,  it  may  please 
God  to  restore  him,  so  as  to  enable  him  to  return  to  you 
in  health."  ******** 

"  You  will  use  your  discretion  as  to  communicating  all 
or  any  part  of  this  to  his  wife,  whom  I  pray  the  Lord  to 
support  under  this  affliction.  He  has  many  kind  friends 
here,  who  will  be  sure  to  do  all  that  the  tenderest  relative 
could  wish  to  do. 

"  Your  faithful  servant,      V/M.  CARUS  WILSON." 

I  also  give  the  following  from  a  friend  in  Liverpool, 
addressed  to  Robert  Ralston,  Esq.,  Philadelphia — 

"Liverpool,  July  19th,  1828. 

"  Dear  Sir  : — Although  personally  a  stranger,  I  need  make 
no  apology  for  addressing  you  on  the  present  occasion. 

"  The  Rev.  Mr.  Allen,  of  your  city,  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  has  been,  ever  since  his  arrival  here,  engaged  with 
his  wonted  ardour  of  mind,  in  the  cause  of  the  Bible,  Mis- 
sionary, and  other  religious  Societies,  endeavouring,  to  the 
utmost  of  his  ability,  to  serve  the  cause  of  our  common 
Master.  Unhappily,  these  efforts  were  entered  upon  whilst 
his  health  was,  as  has  been  since  learnt,  very  unequal  to 
the  task ;  and  instead  of  its  being  recruited  and  re-estab- 
lished, as  his  friends  had  doubtless  hoped  it  would  be,  by 
his  visit  to  Europe,  he  now  returns  with  it  greatly  impaired. 


492  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"In  addition  to  great  general  debility  of  body,  the  mental 
excitement  brought  on  by  his  more  recent  exertions,  has 
visibly  produced  a  slight  aberration  of  mind,  which  shows 
itself  in  incoherent  fear  of  his  having  deserted  the  path 
of  duty,  of  being  unfit  for  the  pastoral  office,  &c.  6iC.  All, 
in  the  opinion  of  our  ablest  medical  men,  clear  indications 
of  a  tendency,  at  least,  to  the  misfortune  I  have  referred  to. 

"  Under  these  circumstances,  my  friends,  those  in  con- 
cert with  whom  Mr.  A.  has  been  most  actively  engaged, 
after  consulting  with  an  eminent  physician,  have  concluded 
it  would  be  best  to  further  the  inclination  of  his  own  mind, 
in  favour  of  his  immediate  return  to  his  family  and  friends; 
and  they  have  engaged  his  passage  in  the  Ann,  to  sail  on 
the  21st. 

"The  Rev.  William  Carus  Wilson  has  accompanied  him 
from  Kendal ;  is  staying  in  lodgings  with  him,  and  will  not 
leave  him  till  the  vessel  is  under  weigh.  The  Captain  has 
had  suitable  instructions  given  him,  and  seems  disposed  to 
pay  Mr.  A.  every  possible  attention. 

"  The  immediate  object  of  my  writing,  as  I  do  not  know 
any  of  Mr.  Allen's  congregation,  is,  to  ask  the  favour  of 
your  breaking  to  his  family  the  circumstance  of  his  expected 
return,  and  under  circumstances  of  unimproved  health  ;  and 
further,  to  beg  the  favour  of  your  asking  some  of  his  friends 
to  meet  him  on  the  arrival  of  the  vessel,  and  to  pay  him  all 
needful  attention. 

"  I  remain,  dear  sir,  with  the  esteem  due  to  every  faithful 
and  zealous  ft  lend,  to  the  best  interests  of  our  fellow  men, 
"  Year's,  very  truly,  SAMUEL  HOPE." 

Again  he  writes —  "July  21st. 

"Dear  Sir:  —  I  wrote  you  by  the  Liverpool,  requesting 
the  favour  of  your  apprising  the  family  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Allen,  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  of  his  intending  to  retura 
home  by  the  Ann,  under  circumstances  of  impaired  bealtb 


REV.  BENJAMIN"  ALLEN.  493 

in  body  and  mind.  I  now  write  a  hasty  line,  in  the  pros- 
pect of  the  vessel  being  about  to  sail  in  a  few  hours,  two 
at  most,  to  say  that  Mr.  A.  seems  at  present  determined 
on  staying  a  little  longer,  and  allowing  this  vessel,  therefore, 
to  proceed  without  him. 

"  As  his  mind  is  incapable  of  any  healthy  exercise  under 
its  present  painful  excitement,  even  the  present  determi- 
nation may  undergo  a  change  in  the  short  time  allowed  for 
a  final  decision.  1  beg,  however,  to  assure  his  friends 
through  you,  that,  in  any  event,  our  esteemed  friend  is 
receiving,  and  will  receive,  all  the  delicate  and  affectionate 
attention  his  situation  requires.  I  will  not  fail  to  write 
you  fully  by  the  next  vessel,  to  apprise  them  of  any  change 
that  may  take  place,  either  in  Mr.  A.'s  health,  or  in  his 
intentions.     Believe  me,  dear  Sir,  your's  with  much  esteem, 

SAMUEL  HOPE. 

"  Robert  Rai.ston,  Esq." 

I  also  add  the  following  of  "  July  24th. 

"Dear  Sir: — I  wrote  you  by  the  Liverpool,  via  Boston, 
and  by  the  Ann  direct,  respecting  the  distressing  circum- 
stances in  which  Mr.  Allen,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  in  your 
city,  was.  After  closing  and  forwarding  the  letter,  my 
friend,  Mr.  William  Carus  Wilson,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bicker- 
steth,  brother  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Church  Missionary 
Society,  and  myself,  thought  it  best  frankly  to  tell  Mr.  A. 
our  opinion  of  his  case,  and  ask  his  as  to  the  course  to  be 
pursued;  suggesting  that  the  alternative  seemed  to  be,  his 
proceeding  by  the  Ann,  under  the  special  charge  of  the 
Captain,  or  his  undergoing  a  regular  course  of  medical 
treatment,  with  the  view  to  the  restoration  of  his  mind  to 
its  wonted  calm.  His  reply  coincided  with  the  leanings  of 
our  own  mind,  and  at  length  decided  our  choice.  He  told 
us,  he  was  quite  sensible  that  his  reason  was  disturbed, 
and  that  he  was  not  fit  to  be  the  master  of  his  own  actions  ; 
that  he  had  no  objection  to  be  placed  under  restraint  for  a 


494  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

time,  with  the  hope  that  it  would  bring  about  the  object  he 
was  sensible  we  had  in  view,  solely  for  his  good.  Having 
then  consulted  Mr.  Bickersteth's  brother,  an  eminent  sur- 
geon in  this  town,  (who  had  previously  given  a  decided 
opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  some  such  procedure,)  as  to 
the  choice  of  a  situation,  we  placed  him  under  the  care  of 
a  gentleman  whose  qualifications  are  thought  highly  of,  and 
who  gave  us  every  assurance  we  could  wish,  that  he  should 
receive  all  the  attention  which  could  be  desired  for  a  gen- 
tleman in  his  situation. 

"Messrs.  Wilson  and  Bickersteth  saw  him  on  Tuesday, 
and  found  him  comfortable.  He  spoke  with  great  satis- 
faction of  the  surgeon,  who,  he  said,  seemed  to  have  a 
very  accurate  knowledge  of  his  case  ;  and  at  his  request,  I 
am  to  call  upon  him  in  about  an  hour  or  two.  Mr.  Buddi- 
com,  the  Clerical  Secretary  of  the  Liverpool  Bible  Society, 
and  my  colleague  in  his  service,  has  kindly  promisetl  iiie 
also  to  visit  Mr.  A.  occasionally,  as  well  as  some  other  of 
his  clerical  friends;  and  this  circumstance  affords  myself 
and  friends  an  additional  assurance,  that  he  will  receive 
every  requisite  attention.  I  trust,  therefore,  that  Mr.  A.'s 
friends  will  feel  satisfied  that  he  is  where,  under  all  cir- 
cumstances, it  is  best  he  should  for  the  present  be.  What 
course  his  complaint  may  take,  or  how  long  his  retirement 
may  be,  it  is  of  course  impossible  even  to  conjecture. 

"  Your's  very  respectfully  and  truly, 

SAMUEL  HOPE." 

After  the  Kev.  Mr.  Patton,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
returned  to  this  country,  he  wrote  a  letter  to  my  brother's 
wife,  in  which  he  states — 

"  New- York,  October  2d. 

"  My  Dear  Madam  : — I  have  supposed  that  it  would  con- 
tribute to  your  consolation,  to  hear  from  one,  who  is  your 
dear  husband's  brother  in  the  ministry,  and  who  has  visited 
him  in  his  affliction,  that  every  thing  is  done  for  his  re- 
covery and  comfort  that  you  could  desire,  or  Christian  sym- 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  405 

pathy  impart.  He  is  calm.  He  is  exceedingly  cautious  in 
conversation.  I  have  seen  him  several  times,  and  upon  the 
whole,!  do  not  think  that  he  is  so  much  exercised  as  when 
I  first  saw  him.  He  knows  every  person  with  whom  he  has 
been  acquainted,  and  is  aware  of  his  situation.  His  health, 
I  do  not  think,  is  any  worse  than  when  I  saw  him  in  Lon- 
don in  May.  I  visited  him  a  day  or  two  before  sailing  from 
Liverpool. 

"  In  this  hour  of  deep  trial,  your  confidence  must  be  in 
the  Lord.  There  you  may  repose  it,  and  be  assured  that 
it  is  all  right.  This  is  a  trial  by  which  God  would  prove 
the  submission  of  your  own  heart.  No  earthly  comforter 
can  reach  half  way  to  your  present  extremity;  but  the 
Lord  has  comforts  for  his  own  children,  no  matter  how 
heavy  and  dark  the  night  may  be.  Weeping  may  endure 
for  a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning. 

"Your's,  &c.  WILLIAM  PATTON." 

In  another  letter  to  myself,  Mr.  Patton  observes  further — 

"  Upon  most  subjects  he  converses  rationally,  though 
with  very  great  caution  and  reserve.  He  is  not  so  much 
excited  as  you  would  imagine.  There  is,  indeed,  a  great 
degree  of  indifference  in  his  whole  manner,  and  this  great 
want  of  excitement  is  viewed  as  a  very  discouraging  symp- 
tom.— October  9th." 

My  brother  remained  under  medical  treatment  for  up- 
wards of  four  months,  and  very  little  change  was  effected 
in  his  case. 

It  was  finally  deemed  important,  that  he  should  return 
to  the  bosom  of  his  family  and  friends,  under  the  fond  ex- 
pectation that  this  change  in  his  circumstances  might  prove 
beneficial.  Consequently,  arrangements  were  made  by  the 
friends  in  Liverpool,  as  appears  by  the  following — 

"Liverpool,  November  15th,  1828. 
"  Dear  Sir  : — After  many  disappoi  ntments,  I  have  obtained 
a  passage  for  our  afflicted  friend,  Mr.  Allen,  in  the  Edward, 


496  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

Captain  Libbey,  about  to  sail  direct  for  Philadelphia  to- 
morrow, or,  as  is  much  more  probable,  on  the  16th  or  17th, 
the  tides  being  very  unfavourable  for  getting  out  earlier 
than  the  latter  day.  She  is  a  good  brig,  of  two  hundred  and 
ninety-eight  tons,  stands  A.  1  ;  has  no  other  passenger,  and 
the  Captain  belongs  to  Portland. 

"  Mr.  A.  Hodgson  has  concurred  with  me  in  this  arrange- 
ment, and  been  a  party  to  it.  I  have  reason  to  believe  all 
my  friends  who  know  Mr.  A.  equally  approve  of  it. 

"I  have  had  a  long  conversation  with  Mr.  A.'s  physician, 
in  company  with  Captain  L.  in  order  that  the  latter  might, 
from  the  details  thus  given,  be  the  better  able  to  pay  every 
possible  attention  to  his  patient ;  and  in  addition  to  these 
veibal  instructions,  I  have  given  a  note  to  Captain  L.,  of 
which  I  enclose  a  copy,  calling  his  attention  more  imme- 
diately to  those  points  which  seemed  to  me  of  primary  im- 
portance. V\  11  h  this,  I  address  a  few  lines  to  Mr.  Farr,  to 
the  same  effect. 

"  I  have  to  acknowledge  your  obliging  favour  of  the  22d 
September,  and  to  thank  you  for  the  interest  you  have  taken 
in  this  affecting  case  of  aggravated  affliction.  It  affords 
me  an  additional  confirmation  of  the  opinion  my  partial 
acc,uaintance  with  your  character  led  me  to  form,  from  many 
sources  of  information  ;  and  I  feel  assured,  you  will  derive 
no  small  satisfaction  from  the  consciousness  of  having  aided 
in  soothing  the  soriows  poured  on  the  head  of  a  mother 
and  wife,  on  whom  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  no  doubt,  for 
both  wise  and  gracious  purposes,  presses  with  peculiar 
weight." 

"  Believe  me,  dear  Sir,  very  truly  and  respectfully, 

Your's,  SAM'L.  HOPE. 

"  Robert  Ralston,  Esa." 

The  kind  solicitude  of  our  benevolent  friend,  Mr.  Hope, 
is  further  displayed    in    his    letter   of  instructions  given 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLKN.  497 

to  Captain  Libbey,  who  was  entrusted  with  the  care  of  my 
brother :  a  copy  of  a  part  of  which  follows — 

"  Liverpool,  November  15th,  1828. 
"  Capt.  Libbey,  brig  Edward,  for  Philadelphia — 

"  Sir  : — In  confiding  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen  to  your  care,  to 
be  delivered  to  his  afflicted  family  and  friends  at  Philadel- 
phia, I  am  confident  I  need  not  remind  you  of  the  claims 
his  unfortunate  situation  has  on  your  tender  feelings  as  a 
man  and  a  Christian :  but  it  may  be  desirable  to  trouble 
you  with  a  few  observations  for  your  general  guidance. 

"  The  directions  verbally  given  by  Dr.  Traill  this  morn- 
ing when  you  were  with  me,  were  so  ample  and  explicit 
on  all  points,  that  I  don't  need  to  recapitulate  them.  One 
or  two  of  them  I  must,  however,  beg  the  favour  of  your 
bearing  in  mind  as  of  leading  and  indeed  indispensable 
importance. 

"  Myself  and  friends  having  taken  charge  of  Mr.  A.  some 
time  ago,  without  any  request  from  his  family  or  relatives, 
but  solely  from  a  sense  of  duty,  we  feel  a  peculiar  respon- 
sibility in  having  him  s-t/I?/?/ conveyed  home." "The 

more  he  can  be  brought  into  pleasant  conversation,  and 
made  to  interest  himself  in  v,'hat  is  going  on  about  him, 

the  better." "  It  will  be  very  proper  to  allow  Mr.  A.  to 

go  on  deck  when  the  weather  is  moderate." "  I  must 

beg  you,  on  arrival,  to  send  word  either  to  Mr.  Farr,  or  to 
Robert  Ralston,  Esq.  in  order  that  they  may  inform  Mrs. 
A.  and  adopt  proper  measures  for  Mr.  A.'s  removal. 

"  Wishing  you  the  satisfaction  which  will  be  justly  due 
to  the  conscientious  and  proper  discharge  of  your  trust,  and 
wishing  you  also  a  safe  and  prosperous  voyage,  I  am, 
respectfully,  Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

SAMUEL  HOPE." 

Mr.  Hope  also  wrote  to  my  brother's  wife — 

u  u 


498  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

"  Liverpool,  November  15th. 
"  Dear  Madam : — I  feel  very  sensibly  your  kindness  in 
acknowledging  the  few  attentions  myself  and  friends  have 
been  able  to  pay  to  your  respected  husband,  in  his  forlorn 
and  afflicted  circumstances.  Viewing  him,  as  he  was,  the 
victim,  in  some  degree,  of  an  excessive  desire  to  promote 
the  best  interests  of  his  fellow  men,  in  connexion  with  the 
glory  of  his  exalted  Redeemer ;  deprived  of  the  power  of 
properly  controlling  his  own  proceedings ;  far  from  his 
home,  his  kindred  and  friends :  the  heart  must  have  been 
hard  indeed,  that  could  not  feel  for  his  truly  melancholy 
condition  ;  or  that  would  have  prompted  one  less  effort  than 
has  been  made  for  alleviating  its  sorrows. 

"  I  have,  in  concurrence  with  some  of  my  friends,  made 
arrangements  for  his  return,  which  will,  I  confidently  trust, 
restore  him  to  his  home  in  a  fortnight,  or  at  most,  three 
weeks  after  the  receipt  of  this  letter  ;  and  I  trust,  it  may 
yet  please  God  so  to  overrule  this  severe  trial,  both  to  his 
eventual  good  and  yours,  that  you  may  both  join  in  a  grateful 
acknowledgment  of  praise  to  Him,  who  doth  according  to 
his  will  in  the  armies  of  Heaven  and  amongst  the  children 
of  men  ;  and  who  often 

'  Behind  a  frowning  providence, 

Hides  a  smilhig  face.' 

"  It  would  afford  me  real  happiness  to  learn  that  you  are 
again  permitted  to  enjoy  your  husband's  society,  and  the 
smiles  of  a  gracious  Providence,  without  any  thing  to  impair 
the  delights  of  either ;  and  in  this  hope,  I  remain,  dear 
madam,  your  unknown,  but  assuredly  sincere  friend, 

SAMUEL  HOPE. 

"Mrs.  Allen." 

Mr.  Hope  also  wrote  to  myself — 

"Liverpool,  November  20th. 
"  My  Dear  Sir : — I  yesterday  received  your  favour  of  the 
19th  ult.  per  Tuscarora.     You  will,  ere  this,  I  doubt  not, 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  499 

have  learnt,  that  the  wish  it  expresses  for  the  speedy  return 
of  your  afflicted  brother,  has  been  anticipated  by  his  em- 
barking in  the  Edward,  Captain  Libbey,  for  Philadelphia, 
which  vessel  is  expected  to  leave  by  this  or  the  following 
tide. 

"  Ever  since  the  receipt  of  Mrs.  Allen's  letter  to  myself, 
about  three  or  four  weeks  since,  my  friends  and  myself 
have  been  actively  engaged  in  inquiries  for  a  suitable  con- 
veyance. 

"  We  consider  ourselves,  therefore,  fortunate  in  the 
arrangement  we  have  made,  and  hope  and  pray  that  the 
great  Disposer  of  all  events,  may  so  prosper  our  endeavours, 
feeble  and  imperfect  as  they  have  been,  as  to  restore  him 
in  due  time,  not  only  to  your  care,  but  eventually  to  your 
society." 

"  I  now  feel  peculiarly  anxious  to  know  the  result  of  our 
exertions,  and  shall  be  most  happy  to  learn  that  our  best 
hopes  are  realized.  I  trust,  therefore,  yourself  or  Mr.  Farr, 
will  have  the  goodness  to  give  me  the  earliest  possible 
intimation  of  the  Edward's  arrival.  1  beg  you  will  present 
my  Christian  regards  to  Mrs.  B.  Allen,  and  subscribe  my- 
self, my  dear  Sir,  your's,  with  sincere  sympathy, 

SAMUEL  HOPE. 
"  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Allen. 

"  P.  S.  I  find  the  Edward  is  not  sailing  to-day,  and  as 
the  wind  is  strong  from  the  west,  she  may  be  some  time 
detained." 

The  foregoing  display  the  anxious  solicitude  and  kind 
attention  to  our  dear  afflicted  friend  and  brother. 

The  blessing  of  Heaven  rest  upon  all  our  friends  in  Eng- 
land.    Amen. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


HE   SAILS  FROM   ENGLAND THE   LAST  FRUITS   OF  HIS   PEN 

HI3   CLOSING  SCENE HIS    DEATH NOTICES    AND    ANTICI- 
PATIONS OF  HIS  DEPARTURE. 

Our  dear  brother  Wilson  favoured  me  with  a  letter,  which 
refers  to  my  brother's  sailing. 

"  My  Dear  Sir : — I  have  to  thank  you  for  the  letter  which 
I  have  safely  received.  I  do  very  sincerely  sympathise 
with  you  all,  in  the  heavy  affliction  of  your  poor  brother's 
illness,  and  I  pray  God  to  vouchsafe  his  promised  and 
needful  succours,  especially  to  his  poor  wife  and  children. 

"  I  have  this  day  heard  of  his  having  set  sail  for  America. 
I  fear,  not  with  much  promise  of  amendment.  But  if  it 
please  God  to  preserve  him  on  his  voyage,  it  will  be  a  satis- 
faction to  you  to  have  him  amongst  you. 

"  It  would  be  a  great  comfort  to  hear  from  you  in  a  few 
months,  of  the  safe  arrival  of  your  brother;  and  may  it 
please  God  to  enable  you  to  announce  his  amendment.  I 
steal  a  hurried  moment  from  my  pressing  avocations  to  write 
this,  and  remain,  dear  Sir,  your's,  with  Christian  regard, 
WILLIAM  CARUS  WILSON. 

"  Whittington  Rectory,  Kirkby  Lonsdale,  Westmoreland, 
November  22d,  1828." 

My  brother  went  on  board  the  brig  at  Liverpool,  Novem- 
ber 17th,  1828,  but  they  did  not  sail  till  the  23d. 

After  he  came  on  board,  he  was  much  occupied  with  his 
l)Ook3.  Many  of  his  thoughts  he  put  to  paper.  As  perhaps 
he  had  not  other  conveniences,  he  wrote  with  a  pencil  on 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  501 

the  blank  leaves,  also  on  the  margin,  and  between  the 
printed  lines  of  some  of  his  books.  Some  of  these  thoughts 
I  transcribe  for  this  place.  During  the  unhealthy  action 
of  his  mind,  he  was  labouring  under  painful  apprehensions 
of  prosecution  by  enemies. 

The  general  train  of  his  reflections,  however,  display 
much  judgment  and  soundness  of  mind,  and  are  grateful, 
as  evidencing  his  wonted  solicitude  for  tlie  prosperity  of 
the  cause  of  the  Redeemer ;  the  anxious  searchings  of  his 
own  soul;  his  deep  penitence,  yet  humble  hope  and  confi- 
dence in  God.   "He  thus  proceeds  in  his  different  notes — 

"Beware  of  procrastination,  'tis  a  destroyer  of  souls." 

"  Before  God,  I  am  indeed  a  transgressor,  my  sins  are 
numerous ;  I  am  in  his  hand  and  fain  would  look  to  him. 
Be  merciful,  my  sins  and  my  iniquities  remember  no  more. 
Be  merciful  for  Jesus'  sake.  Amen."  The  last  was  written 
on  the  Memoir  of  Rev.  Legh  Richmond. 

On  the  blank  of  a  letter,  I  find  the  following^ 

"In  the  presence  of  God,  1  confess  myself  indeed  a 
sinner.  Look  upon  me,  O  Lord,  look  upon  me.  Pardon 
my  iniquity,  for  it  is  great.  Blot  out  my  sins,  for  they  are 
many.  Let  thy  countenance  be  turned  toward  me.  Cleanse 
me  from  my  vileness  :  cleanse  me  thoroughly,  and  bless 
my  soul,  O  Lord,  through  Christ." 

From  the  blank  leaves  of  his  small  Bible,  I  take  the  fol- 
lowing— 

"Oh  Lord,  let  some  mercy  come,  and  the  merits  of 
Christ  be  the  cause.  Let  the  great  goodness  of  God  be 
manifest  in  abundance.  Let  Heaven  be  made  to  sound 
with  angel's  songs  o'er  the  repenting  sinners  of  earth.  Oh 
that  some  consolations  may  be  dispensed,  that  a  hope  may 
rise  within  each  soul.  May  God  be  merciful,  and  be 
compassionate  ;  be  merciful,  be  merciful  for  Jesus,  the 
anointed's  sake.  Pardon  for  Christ's  sake.  Amen." 
u2 


502  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

„Lev.  i.  4. — Oh  God  of  mercy,  forgive  whatever  thou  in 
us  hast  seen  wrong  :  pardon  for  thy  mercy's  sake  and  the 
name  of  a  Being  of  compassion  be  praised.  For  Jesus' 
sake.  The  Lord  be  merciful  to  all  for  his  own  sake.  May 
our  souls  receive  that  which  they  need  for  the  sake  of  Him 
who  agonized.      The  Lord  he  praised.    Amen.'''' 

Truly,  I  would  add,  the  Lord  he  praised  for  ever,  for  the 
closing  note  of  the  above. 

As  showing  more  fully  the  train  of  his  reflections,!  here 
transcribe  the  passage  to  which  he  refers  at  the  head  of 
the  last  note.  "  A?«<^  he  shall  put  his  hand  upon  the  head 
of  the  hurjit-ojfer'mg  ;  and  it  shall  be  accepted  for  him  to 
make  atonement  for  him.^^ 

On  the  margin  of  a  small  work,  entitled,  "The  Art  of 
Divine  Contentment,  by  Thomas  Watson,"  my  brother's 
pencil  has  traced  this  note — "  How  awful  an  evil  is  it,  to 
neglect  duties  near  home,  always  to  attend  to  those  farther- 
most off.     Ruin  flows  inevitably  from  this." 

And,  on  the  Memoirs  of  Legh  Richmond — "  Wrong  to 
neglect  the  plain,  obvious  duties  of  the  ministry,  and 
engage  in  extraneous  plans." 

On  the  same  volume,  he  thus  proceeds — "Let'noou'e 
suppose  the  Word  of  God  not  true,  from  the  conduct  of  any 
upon  earth.  Let  God  be  true  and  every  man  a  liar.  lie 
will  prove  the  truth  of  his  Word,  and  every  creature  shall 
acknowledge  it,  and  shall  cry.  Amen  to  all  his  dealings. 
The  Word  of  God  must  be  true,  for  God  is  himself  essen- 
tial truth;  therefore,  all  should  tremble  as  they  think  of 
the  threatenings  against  sin.  Every  one  is  in  need  of 
pardon — every  one  has  cause  to  tremble — every  one  in  his 
degree  shall  find  the  Word  of  threatening  true,  unless  he 
fly,  while  he  has  opportunity,  to  Jesus  Christ.  There  is 
no  other  name  under  heaven,  given  among  men,  whereby 
we  must  be  saved.     In    him,    is    salvation    for    penitent 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  503 

believers.  The  experience  of  my  life  shows  me  God  is 
true.  There  is  no  want  of  faithfulness  in  him.  He  will 
lay  judgment  to  the  line,  and  righteousness  to  the  plum- 
met, &c.  Certainly  there  can  be  no  unrighteousness  in  Him. 
His  people  are  visited  in  love.  Those  who  are  not  his, 
are  sent  to  their  own  place.  He  deals  righteously,  let  him 
deal  with  whomsoever  he  may.  Such  as  give  him  not  their 
hearts,  treasure  up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath — they 
treasure  it  up  as  in  a  store-house. 

"  A  man's  own  imprudence  and  imbecility  of  mind,  and 
pride  of  heart,  are,  when  left  to  their  natural  course,  suffi- 
cient to  destroy  him.  It  is  not  in  man,  that  walketh,  to 
direct  his  steps.  Grace  is  necessary  to  change  him,  and 
the  Word  is  necessary  to  direct  him.  He  knoweth  not 
at  what  he  stumbleth.  A  sinful  nature  grows  stronger 
and  stronger — the  mind  becomes  weaker  in  its  purpose. 
Leave  but  the  man  to  himself,  he  goes  on  almost  without 
knowing  how,  to  wo.  Destruction  cometh  wholly  from 
man — salvation  from  God.  Man  can  never  say,  he  is 
tempted  of  God.  He  is  led  away  of  his  own  sin  and 
enticed.  Sin  grows  stronger,  gets  the  power  over  him,  he 
is  its  servant — St.  Paul  says,  it  rules  in  him,  blinding  him 
at  the  same  time,  so  that  though  he  thinks  he  is  seeking 
to  promote  the  glory  of  God,  he  promotes  his  own  vain 
imaginations,  his  foolish  heart  becomes  darkened  like  the 
heathen. 

"  Pray  every  moment  for  the  Holy  Spirit's  influence,  it 
will  be  vouchsafed  to  those  that  implore  it.  'Ask,  and  it 
shall  be  given ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find  ;  knock,  and  it  shall 
be  opened  unto  you.'  What  becomes  of  those  who  never 
ask,  or  who  ask  indolently  ;  only  half  awake  at  the  time 
when  they  ask.  It  is  necessary  to  ask  with  earnestness ;  in 
faith  also  :  some  have  not,  because  they  ask  that  tliey  may 
spend  upon  their  lusts.  There  are  none  ask  aright  but  such 
as  ask  in  faith.     How  do  any  grow  in  grace,  or  progress  in 


504  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

holiness  ?  Through  the  help  of  grace  only  ;  and  may  all  seek 
for  grace  in  order  that  they  may  grow,  and  for  holiness  in 
order  that  they  may  be  happy.  What  can  a  man  give  to 
obtain  grace  ?  Nothing.  He  is  lost,  and  he  perishes,  con- 
sidered in  himself.  Christ  has  come  to  restore  him.  Whoso- 
ever goeth  unto  Christ,  obtains  grace  to  help  in  every  time  of 
need.  Oh,  if  men  would  go  to  him,  if  all  the  world  would 
go  to  him.  There  is  no  other  name  under  heaven  given 
among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved :  There,  can 
be  salvation.  Oh,  let  the  name  of  Christ  be  spread,  till 
every  individual  upon  the  earth  is  familiar  with  it,  and  finds 
the  benefit  of  it." "  Christ  will  reign  over  every  king- 
dom and  nation.  He  will  gather  in  the  Jews,  Israelites, 
all,  and  rule  the  world  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  to  the 
going  down  thereof.  And  blessed  shall  be  that  period  to 
such  as  live  therein:  the  world  will  be  happier  than  can  be 
conceived  ;  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  cover  tlie 
earth,  even  as  the  waters  cover  the  face  of  the  deep.  God 
shall  be  acknowledged  and  delighted  in,  and  the  kingdom 
shall  come,  and  peace  shall  rule,  and  grace  abound  and 
love,  till  all  shall  be  something  as  angels,  servirig  God 
night  and  day,  having  the  favourable  blessing  of  God  and 
glorifying  him  in  all  their  dwelling  places  and  with  all 
their  powers.  Wlioever  sees  that  day,  will  be  overflowing 
with  felicity.  How  wonderful  the  contrast  to  the  present 
time!  how  different!  how  opposite  I  Wlio  finds  peace, 
hope,  joy,  love,  grace,  charity,  meekness,  all,  every  thing? 
The  humble  believer.  He  that  crucifies  the  flesh  with  the 
affections  and  lusts,  who  doth,  is  happy.  Money,  talent, 
place,  nothing  makes  any  happy  except  the  mercy  and 
favour  of  God.  What  can  a  man  be  profitted,  if  he  lose  his 
soul  ?  What  can  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul  1  How 
shall  eternity  be  passed  1  In  sorrow  and  despair  by  such  as 
have  never  possessed  the  love  of  God.  I  know  the  Word 
of  God  never  can  fail.     There  can  be  no  want  of  veracity 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  506 

in  him.  He  has  no  shadow  of  turning.  lie  is  truth — he 
is  essential  truth.  He  waiteth  to  be  gracious  also  :  But 
the  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell,  where  reserved  in 
chains  under  darkness,  are  rebels."  *         *         *         * 

On  the  margin  of  another  part  of  the  same  volume  he 
has  written — "  What  great  errors  are  committed  by  many 
who  suppose  themselves  Christians.  They  are  Christians 
only  in  name  :  not  possessing  the  power :  dead  to  God,  they 
go  on  asleep  until  it  becomes  late  in  life  :  they  die  and 
give  no  sufficient  hope.  The  soul  must  be  renewed  ere 
any  can  become  right  before  God.  There  must  be  a  real 
new  creation — passing  away  of  the  old  nature.  Can  rocks 
produce  good  fruits  1  The  rock  must  flow  down  at  the  pre- 
sence of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord.  Hard  heart  of  man,  which 
naught  but  grace  can  subdue.  The  heart  needeth  grace — 
must  have  grace  to  cause  it  to  bring  forth  good  fruit. 
There  are  no  fruits  except  by  grace  through  faith." 

On  another  leaf  is  the  following — "Grace,  grace,  grace, 
the  most  precious  of  all  God's  gifts  !  No  happiness  or  hope 
without  it.     What  is  to  be  done  to  attain  it  V 

On  the  margin  of  the  Memoirs  of  Granville  Sharp,  Esq., 
I  find  also  this  note — "  Watch  unto  prayer — keep  the  heart 
with  all  diligence,  for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life.  The 
Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways  and  holy  in  all  his  works." 

On  the  margin  of  Romaine's  Triumph  of  Faith,  my  bro- 
ther penciled  this  short,  but  important  suggestion — "  The 
season  of  youth  is  the  season  in  which  the  good  God  is  to 
be  sought."  Also — "  Young  days  should  be  given  to  God, 
or  else  elder  days  never  w*ill." 

On  the  same  subject,  he  placed  a  sentence  on  the  blank 
part  of  a  letter — "  Let  the  young  be  trained  up  for  God. 
Let  them  remember  their  Creator  in  the  days  of  their 
youth.  Seek  first  the  kingdom.  May  the  blessing  of  God 
come  upon  them." 


506  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

On  the  blank  leaf  of  his  small  Bible,  I  find  the  follow- 
ing— "  Painfully  passes  time  to  him  who  is  not  well 
employed — the  one  who  labours  has  far  more  pleasure  than 
the  idler.  'Twas  meant  that  all  should  be  industriously 
occupied.  Oh,  if  occupied  in  God's  service,  aided  and 
renewed  in  mind  after  his  image,  then  must  the  hours  pass 
sweetly  on.  There  can  be  no  happiness  known,  unless  his 
favour  be  possessed.  His  favour  is  life,  and  his  loving 
kindness  better  than  life.  He  who  tastes  that  the  Lord  is 
gracious,  must  have  joy  in  his  spirit.  He  knows  that  his 
Redeemer  liveth,  and  rejoices  in  God.  The  man  who  is 
destitute  of  Divine  favour,  goes  farther  and  farther  from 
hope.  Every  thing  is  painful  to  him,  and  becomes  a  fount 
of  wo.  Prosperity  itself  becomes  a  source  of  injury.  No 
blessing  waits  upon  his  soul.  He  rushes  downward  to 
death." 

The  following  is  taken  from  a  blank  leaf  of  Sharp's 
Memoirs — "  Blessed  is  the  man  that  is  enabled  through 
Divine  grace  to  resist  all  evil  in  his  earliest  day,  and  by 
the  power  of  that  grace,  to  go  onward,  and  onward,  and 
onward,  until  he  arrives  in  the  realms  of  Heaven.  In  him- 
self prone  to  evil,  how  is  any  one,  of  his  unassisted  power, 
to  walk  in  Wisdom's  ways?  The  promises  are,  however, 
sure  to  such  as  seek  in  humility." 

I  also  add  the  following,  which  is  penciled  on  the  back 
of  an  Appeal  to  the  Protestant  Clergy  of  Ireland,  in  behalf 
of  the  Church  of  Ohio — "  Happy  those,  whose  whole  heart 
is  devoted  to  God  early  in  life  :  Who  give  him  their  earliest 
affections,  and  praise  and  pray  to  him  as  their  one  business. 
The  heart  that  young  seeks  wisdom's  way,  is  favoured  more 
than  any.  'Tis  the  peculiar  residence  of  Him  who  blesses  : 
'Tis  the  abode  of  charity ;  love  toward  God  and  toward 
man,  dwells  in  it.  'Tis  filled  and  abounds  with  holy  graces. 
'Tis  filled  with  ardent  aspirations  after  more  of  heavenly 
things — those    heavenly  things   are    granted ;  it   has   the 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  507 

power  bestowed  to  fight  the  good  fight,  and  then  receives 
a  crown  that  fadeth  not  away." 

Thus  in  his  own  triumphant  language,  I  close  these 
extracts.  Extracts,  the  more  to  be  valued  as  they  are  the 
very  last  touches  of  his  pencil  on  things  spiritual.  Heavenly 
and  Divine.  As  the  peculiar  glory  of  God  was  unfolded 
in  the  midst  of  the  clouds  and  darkness  of  Sinai ;  thus, 
through  a  Providence,  dark  and  mysterious,  these  last 
actings  of  the  glory  of  God's  grace  in  the  heart  of  my  bro- 
ther, are  graciously  opened  to  our  view.  These  undis- 
guised ebullitions  of  true  penitence,  faith,  love,  and  unsha- 
ken hope,  and  confidence  in  God,  are  reserved  to  us,  that 
our  sorrow  may  be  mingled  with  joy. 

After  going  on  board  of  the  brig,  my  brother,  apparently, 
was  much  better,  and  was  disposed  to  converse.  But  when 
they  put  to  sea,  be  became  worse.  He  was  sea-sick  but  a 
short  time.  He  laboured  under  a  deep  melancholy,  dis- 
posed to  have  no  intercourse  with  those  around.  They 
endeavoured  to  take,  asouthern  passage,  but  could  not, 
and  were  constrained  totake  a  northern  track.  Their 
passage  was  long,  boisterous,  and  hazardous.  This  un- 
questionably was  pernicious  to  his  tottering  system,  and 
it  finally  gave  way.  The  Captain,  Benjamin  F.  Libbey, 
informed  me  that  my  brother  spit  blood  every  day,  from 
the  time  of  his  coming  on  board.  He  appeared  to  suffer 
no  pain,  and  made  no  complaint;  he  was  never  heard  to 
groan.  The  disease,  no  doubt,  was  pulmonary;  and  as 
it  was  partly  spent  upon  the  brain,  it  assumed  the  mildest 
form  in  connexion  with  the  chest.  He  was  confined  to 
his  bed  about  fifteen  days.  Near  the  time  of  his  first 
confinement  to  bed,  they  encountered  a  severe  storm, 
and  were  led  to  throw  over  a  part  of  her  cargo.  Dur- 
ing this,  when  perhaps  a  heavy  sea  passed  over  the 
vessel,  carrying  away  some  of  the  railing,  my  brother  did 


508  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

not  appear  to  think  of  himself,  but  made  anxious  inquiry 
as  to  the  safety  of  others,  and  the  injury  they  had  sustained. 
The  Captain  saw  that  my  brother  was  sinking  fast,  he 
therefore  felt  it  a  matter  of  duty  to  introduce  the  subject 
to  him.     When  he  informed  him  that  he  could  not  stay 
long,  my  brother   roused   up,  as   one    out  of  sleep,  and 
observed,  he   wished  to  have  a  minister, — that  a  minister 
ought  to  be  on  board.     Looking  earnestly,  he  expressed  a 
wish  to  have  prayers.     The  Captain  told  him  he  was  not 
gifted  that  way.     He  then  requested  the  Bible  to  be  read 
to  him,  and  prayers  to  be  read  in  his  hearing.     His  wish  was 
complied  with.    The  passage  which  he  particularly  selected, 
was  the  Jifteentli  chapter  of  the  first  of  Corinthians.     He 
was  much  interested  in  the  reading,  not  willing  that  they 
should  cease.     It  is  indeed  grateful  that  this  animating  and 
triumphant  passage  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  should  be  among 
the  last  upon  which  his  mind  rested.     May  we  not  hope, 
that  his  was  the  joyful  language   of   victory  ?    O    death, 
where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  ichere  is  thy  victory  ?"    The 
Bible  was  read  to  him  the  greater  part  of  the  night,  at  his 
request,  which  was  the  night  previous  to  his  death.      The 
chief  part  of  the  time  he  was   perfectly  himself.     About 
four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  he  was  asked  by  the  Captain 
if  he  was  willing  to  depart  from  this  world,  an<J-4ie  answered, 
"I  AM."     After  some  further  time  for  reflection,  he  looked 
at  the  Captain,  and  observed,  "  I  am  readv  to  go."  These 
were  the  last  words  that  he  was  heard  to  speak,  so  as  to  be 
understood.     Though  he  did  not  speak  after  this,  yet  for 
the  last  two  hours  hn  took  notice  of  every  thing  around 
him,  and  seemed  perfectly  rational.     He  gradually  sunk  as 
one  falling  into  a  sweet  sleep,  till  he  yielded  up  his  spirit 
into  the  hands  of  his  God.     He  died  on  the  fiftieth  day  of 
his  sailing,  the  13th  of  January,  at  six  o'clock,  P.  M.  lati- 
tude 42°  18'  and  longitude  50°  west  from  Greenwich.     He 
was  entombed  in  the  deep  on  the  14th,  at  meridian.  Some 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  '509 

distance  below  the  surface  of  the  sea,  the  body  of  my  be- 
loved brother  was  still  seen,  passing  slowly  down  to  its 
kindred  dust,  to  await  the  mandate,  when  the  sea  shall  give 
up  her  dead. 

Though  some  of  the  circumstances  of  his  departure  were 
painful  to  us,  yet,  have  we  not  the  blessed  assurance  that 
all  were  especially  ordered  by  Infinite  Wisdom,  and  un- 
bounded love?  Did  not  God  fulfil  his  promise,  and  make 
all  his  bed  in  his  sickness?  Yes!  I  trust  the  presence  of 
Jesus  in  all  the  tenderness  of  his  sympathy,  banished  every 
fear  from  his  heart,  and  assuaged  every  sorrow.  Though 
the  waters  overflowed  his  body,  yet  his  ransomed  spirit  was 
snatched  from  the  evil,  and  conducted  by  a  melodious  choir 
to  those  bright  abodes  where  pleasures  spring  immortal  in 
the  skies.  Oh  what  a  cordial  is  this  to  the  bereaved  bosom ! 
How  completely  will  this  precious  hope  reconcile  us  to 
death,  in  ourselves,  or  our  dear  friends !  "  Thanks  be  to 
God  ivhich  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.'' 

Though  our  minds  were  in  some  degree  prepared  to 
receive  the  intelligence  of  his  death,  yet,  when  it  reached 
our  shores,  it  was  almost  overwhelming. 

In  noticing  the  providence,  the  Editor  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Recorder  observes — 

"  The  very  afflicting  intelligence  was  received  on  Wed- 
nesday last,  through  the  correspondent  from  Lewistown  of 
the  Coff"ee-House  in  this  city,  that  the  Rev.  Benjamin 
Allen,  Rector  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  who  had  taken  home- 
ward passage  on  board  the  brig  Edward,  had  died  at  sea." 
"  The  brig  had  a  very  tedious  passage  of  ninety-six  days, 
for  the  last  twenty  of  which,  the  crew  had  been  reduced  to 
great  distress  for  want  of  provisions. 

"  Thus  has  this  nobly  disinterested  and  zealous  servant 
of  God,  been  cut  off"  in  the  midst  of  life,  under  circumstan- 
ces very  oppressively  afflictive  to  all  human  appearances, 

X  X 


510  MEMOIR  OF  THE 

but  wise  and  merciful,  no  doubt,  beyond  human  compre- 
hension, could  we  read  by  the  eye  of  faith,  the  entire  regis- 
ter of  the  glorious  designs  of  Providence. 

"  To  his  bereaved  family,  the  stroke  is  terrible,  and  to  his 
afflicted  parish,  deeply  distressing.  May  the  keeper  of 
promises  be  to  both,  Friend,  Shepherd,  and  Portion." 

The  following  also  appeared  in  one  of  the  daily  papers 
of  this  city — 

LINES 

ON  THE  DEATH  OP  THE  REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

"  Be  ye  therefore  ready  also;  for  the  Son  of  Man  cometh  at 
an  hour  when  ye  think  not.'''' 

"  Hark  !  from  the  sea,  a  mournful  cry, 

He's  gone,  he's  gone,  he's  gone  ; 
The  earth  responds  with  joyful  voice, 

To  Heav'n  by  angels  borne. 

"  He's  gone — the  dark  blue  ocean  roils 

Her  billows  o'er  his  head  ; 
He's  gone — belov'd,  the  silent  tear 

For  him  will  long  be  shed. 
"  He's  gone — why  weep  ye  men  of  earth, 

He's  gone  to  dwell  with  God, 
Soon  will  the  sea  give  up  her  dead, 

At  mandate  of  the  Lord, 
"  He's  gone — and  we  who  for  him  weep, 

We  too  shall  follow  soon  ; 
And  ere  many  a  year  has  pass'd. 

Shall  fill  the  silent  tomb. 
"  Then  let  us  be  like  him  prepar'd. 

Thro'  faith  in  Jesus'  name, 
Prepared  to  leave  this  world  of  sin, 

Of  sorrow  and  of  pain. 
"  And  when  we're  on  the  verge  of  death, 

With  hallelujahs  sing, 
O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  1 

O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  V 


REV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN.  511 

In  the  first  volume  of  Poems,  which  my  brother  pub- 
lished in  1811,  there  is  a  piece  entitled,  ^' My  Mother." 
The  scenery,  borrowed  from  the  ocean,  leads  us  naturally 
to  some  of  the  circumstances  of  his  departure.  His  lan- 
guage is  in  fact  prophetic  of  his  closing  scene.  The  fol- 
lowing is  an  extract — 

He  observes — "  The  hope  of  meeting  friends  after  death 
is,  to  me,  the  sweetest  solace  of  this  earthly  pilgrimage." 

"  MY  MOTHER. 

"  Come  to  my  bosom,  blissful  thought, 
For  thou  hast  now  explored  the  scene, 

Whence  are  our  comforts  daily  brought — 
The  scene  where  dwells  my  mother. 

"  Oh,  might  you  yet  appear  again, 

To  him  whose  tears  your  grave  have  steep'd, 

But  no — I'll  waiting,  here  remain, 
And  meet  upon  the  eternal  deep. 

"  There  sailing,  when  my  little  bark, 

Shall  gladly,  happy,  glide  along. 
Do  thou  the  coming  vessel  mark. 

And  swiftly  fly  to  meet  your  son. 

"  Come  then,  oh  Death,  and  aid  my  flight, 
When  God  shall  bid  you  hasten  on ; 

'Till  then,  I'd  calmly,  calmly  wait, 
A  parent  lov'd,  to  meet  her  son. 


*'  I  saw  your  mother — there  she  sung 
Amid  the  soft  seraphic  crowd — 

— Most  blissful  glories  round  her  hung, 
And — '  My  Redeemer' — swell'd  aloud. 


512  MEMOIR  OF  KEY.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN. 

"  Throughout  the  length'ning  arches  shone. 

Millions  of  hosts  in  order  due, 
One  name,  their  voices  prais'd,  alone, 

As  thro'  the  vast  they  joyful  flew. 

"  Your  mother,  then,  again  I  saw, 

She  knew  me,  and  with  smile  so  sweet — 

'Twas  such  as  all  around  me  wore — 
She  said,  '  Go  tell  him  here  we  meet.'  " 

May  we  not  confidently  hope  that  the  lively  images  of 
his  early  fancy  were  more  than  realized  in  the  joyful  meet- 
ing of  "  Mother  and  Son,''''  on  the  banks  of  that  river  which 
raaketh  glad  the  holy  city  of  our  God  ? 

I  close  this  scene  of  mingled  sorrow,  and  joy,  of  death, 
and  victorious  life,  with  the  following  grateful  reflections 
which  occupied  my  brother's  mind.  I  found  them  among 
his  papers  of  1801 ;  but  probably  they  were  written  not 
long  since — 

"  Time,  then,  will  hurry  on  his  flight. 

And  Death  still  whisper,  '  Dust  to  dust ;' 
But,  rob'd  in  undecaying  light, 
The  sainted  spirits  of  the  just. 

Shall  mount  on  wings  of  faith,  sublime, 
And  triumph  over  Death  and  Time." 

I  also  add  the  transporting  notes  given  by  a  voice  from 
Heaven — 

"  BLESSED  ARE  THE  DEAD 

WHICH  DIE  IN  THE  LORD,  FROM  HENCEFORTH  : 

Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labours  ; 

and  their  ivorks  do  follow  them." 

Rev.  xiv.  13. 


FUNERAL  SERMON. 


The  following  Sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Gregory 
T.  Bedell,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  Andrew's  Church,  on 
Sabbath,  March  22,  1829,  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Philadel- 
phia, for  the  Improvement  of  the  Death  of  the  late  Rec- 
tor of  that  Church,  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Allen. 

PROVERBS,  XIV.  32. 

"  The  Righteous  hath  hope  in  his  Death.'''' 

I  AM  called  before  you  this  morning',  my  friends,  to  perform  a 
very  melancholy  duty;  and  a  duty,  from  which,  I  would  most 
gladly  have  shrunk,  had  I  not  been  convinced,  that,  under  all  the 
circumstances,  Providence  seemed  to  point  me  out  for  the  per- 
formance. The  close  intimacy  and  friendship  which  existed 
between  our  dear  deceased  brother  and  myself — more  so  than 
between  him  and  any  other  of  his  brethren  of  the  clergy,  now 
within  reach — this,  together  with  the  wishes  of  his  family,  early 
expressed,  constitute  a  call  which  I  feel  no  liberty  to  decline. 
Would  to  God  that  I  could  discharge  the  duty  with  an  ability 
more  meet  for  the  occasion. 

There  are  two  striking  reasons,  why  I  have  chosen  the  present 
text.  It,  at  once,  leads  us  to  the  one  great  topic  of  the  Gospel, 
upon  which,  our  brother  ever  delighted  to  enlarge :  And  it  de- 
scribes both  his  character  and  end.  "  The  righteous  hath  hope  in 
his  deaths 

Give  me  your  attention,  then,  my  brethren,  while  I  consider,  as 
briefly  as  the  case  will  allow,  the  following  topics — 

I.  Who  are  the  righteous  of  whom  such  glorious  things  are  said. 

II.  The  declaration,  that  they  have  hope  in  their  death. 

III.  I  shall  follow  this  discussion  with  an  application  to  the 
present  occasion. 

I.  In  order  to  bring  this  all-important  subject  down  to  the  level 
of  our  comprehension,  theologians  have  been  wont  to  state  it  in  a 
form,  somewhat  like  the  following: — Legally,  there  are  none 
righteous,  that  is,  tested  by  the  law  of  God,  there  are  none 
righteous.  For  as  every  thing  which  is  repugnant  to  the  law  of 
God  is  unrighteousness,  and  as  every  thing  which  is  commensurate 
with  the  sacred  requisitions  of  that  law,  is  righteousness ;  so  no 

X  2 


514  FUNERAL  SERMON, 

man  can  strictly  be  denominated  righteous,  whose  life  is  not  a 
literal  transcript  of  the  law  of  God. 

From  these  considerations,  it  is  evident,  even  without  a  resort 
to  the  Scriptures,  that  there  are  none  legally  righteous.  Scrip- 
ture most  fully  confirms  this  testimony  in  a  great  variety  of  strik- 
ing passages,  unnecessary  now  to  mention. 

Who  then  is  the  righteous  man  ?  Before  this  is  answered, 
another  subject  must  be  briefly  touched.  How  can  man,  guilty 
man,  stand  before  a  just  God,  and  be  constituted  righteous  in 
his  sight?  This  question,  which  is  vitally  connected  with  the 
other,  may  best  be  answered  by  recurring  to  the  article  of  our 
Church,  which  embodies  the  Scripture  doctrine.  (Art.  11th.) 
"  We  are  accounted  righteous  before  God,  only  for  the  merit  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ,  by  faith ;  and  not  for  our  own 
works  or  deservings." 

Thus  speaks  our  Church,  and  thus  speaks  Scripture — "  There 
is  none  other  name  under  heaven,  given  among  men,  whereby  we 
must  be  saved."  "I  will  make  mention  of  thy  righteousness, 
even  of  thine  only."  Jesus  Christ  is  called  Jehovah,  our  Righte- 
ousness ;  and  St.  Paul  says.  We  are  made  the  righteousness  of 
God  in  him.  Who  then  is  righteous  ?  I  answer,  it  is  the  man — 
who,  renouncing  his  own,  betakes  himself  to  the  righteousness  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  depends  alone  on  him.  He  who, 
through  the  merits  of  the  Saviour's  blood,  and  the  perfection  of 
his  obedience  to  the  law,  is  delivered  from  curse  and  condemna- 
tion :  Who  receives  this  method  of  justification  by  faith,  and  in 
whose  heart  the  seeds  of  obedience  are  implanted,  which  will 
bring  forth  fruit  to  the  glory  of  God. 

11.  Of  such  an  one,  it  is  declared  that  he  hath  hope  in  his  death. 
He  has  hope  in  his  death  because — 

1st.  There  is  nothing  which  can  really  disquiet  him.  The  only 
sting  which  death  has,  is  sin — and  the  only  strength  which  sin 
has,  is  the  laio.  But  in  relation  to  the  believer,  the  law  has  been 
satisfied  by  the  meritorious  sacrifice  of  Christ,  and  he  has  hope  in 
his  death,  because  the  law  has  no  more  demands  against  him. 
It  is  the  strong  and  conclusive  declaration  of  the  Scriptures — 
Blessed  is  the  man  whose  transgression  is  forgiven  and  whose 
sin  is  covered.  Blessed  is  he,  unto  whom  the  Lord  imputeth,  &c. 
Being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  The  remarkable  expression  which  is  con- 
nected with  this  subject  is — the  positive  declaration  that  the 
righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.  The  truth  conveyed,  and  the 
one  to  which  I  have  been  especially  desirous  of  directing  your 
attention  is,  that,  under  all  circumstances,  there  is  hope  in  the 
death  of  the  righteous.  The  righteous  may  die  in  all  the  depths 
of  poverty  and  humility,  or  he  may  die  surrounded  by  all  that  is 
comforting  and  cheering ;  he  may  die  in  his  accustomed  chamber 


BY  REV.  G.  T.  BEDELL,  D.  D.  515 

with  all  the  kind  and  fond  endearments  of  relatives  and  friends, 
or  he  may  die  at  a  distance  from  home,  where  these  are  shut  out : 
He  may  die  and  have  his  eyelids  closed  by  those  most  near  and 
dear  to  him,  or  he  may  die  where  these  offices  are  to  be  per- 
formed by  the  hands  of  strangers :  He  may  die  in  the  full  enjoy- 
ment of  all  his  mental  faculties,  and  the  very  meridian  of  mental 
energy ;  or  he  may  die  deprived  of  these,  under  what  looks  like 
some  dark  and  dismal  dipensation  :  reason's  lamp  may  have  gone 
out  before  his  eyes  were  closed  on  the  glorious  orb  of  Heaven : 
He  may  die  and  be  buried,  where  over  his  grave  the  tears  of  sym- 
pathizing friends  may  fall,  where  on  his  coffin  may  descend  the 
symbols  of  corruption  as  the  minister  of  God  declares,  earth  to 
earth,  and  ashes  to  ashes — or  he  may  die  while  the  frail  bark 
which  carries  him  is  tossing  on  the  mighty  ocean,  and  he  may 
have  the  caverns  of  the  sea  for  his  mighty  sepulchre  : — it  all  mat- 
ters not — he  has  hope  in  his  death  ;  and  that  is  sufficient  for  our 
faith  and  for  our  hopes,  that  dries  our  tears  to  the  dispensation, 
and  that  moves  us  to  take  up  the  language,  It  is  God,  he  hath 
done  all  things  well : 

"  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 

His  wonders  to  perform : 
He  plants  his  footsteps  on  the  sea, 

And  rides  upon  the  storm." 

But  what  is  the  hope  which  the  righteous  hath  in  his  death? 

1st.  It  is  the  hope  of  a  glorious  resurrection.  If  in  this  life 
only,  we  have  hope  in  Christ,  we  are  of  all  men  most  misera- 
ble. But,  now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become  the  first 
fruits  of  them  that  slept,  for  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man 
came  also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  (also  1  Thessalonians, 
iv.  13 — 18.)  What  a  spectacle  of  unparalleled  grandeur  will  it  be, 
when  the  living,  and  the  living  dead,  shall  arise  to  meet  the  Lord 
in  the  air.  When  the  unnumbered  millions  who  have  fallen 
asleep  shall  be  waked  by  the  voice  of  the  Archangel,  and  the 
trump  of  God :  When  the  monumental  marble  shall  be  over- 
thrown— when  the  ancient  catacombs  and  pyramids  shall  be  burst 
a=!under — when  the  graveyards  of  Christendom  shall  send  forth 
their  multitudes;  and  when  the  mighty  sea  shall  yield  up  her 
prey  :  Then,  in  this  terrific  season,  will  the  hope  in  which  the 
righteons  died,  be  in  part  realized.  He  shall  be  caught  up  to 
meet  the  Lord  in  the  air. 

But  inadequate  and  small  would  be  the  hope  of  the  righteous 
in  death,  if  he  had  no  more  to  look  forward  to  than  a  glorious 
resurrection.  But  he  has  more,  infinitely  more.  He  dies,  2dly,  In 
the  hope  of  rising  to  glory,  and  entering  into  everlasting  peace. 
"  What  tongue  can  describe,  what  heart  conceive,  the  nature  of 
that  happiness,  upon  which  the  righteous  pnters,  as  his  hope  in 
death  is  turned  into  fruition !  The  instant  the  tiireud  of  life  is 


516  FUNERAL  SERMON, 

cut,  the  soul  is  disengaged  from  the  cumbrous  clod  of  earth  in 
,  which  it  was  imprisoned,  flies  to  regions  above,  and  towers  on  the 
wings  of  Cherubim,  to  that  celestial  city  whither  it  had  often  fled 
before  on  the  wings  of  faith,  and  hope,  and  strong  desire.  A 
convoy  of  angels  attended  till  the  happy  spirit  was  released  from 
its  prison,  after  which,  the  heavenly  escort  conducts  it  to  the 
promised  rest.  The  gates  of  the  New  Jerusalem  are  thrown 
open  wide,  to  admit  the  blessed  stranger,  whom  Immanuel  waits 
to  introduce  to  His  kingdom,  and  to  clasp  to  his  heart.  Then  the 
righteous,  who  had  hope  in  his  death,  enters  into  glory,  amidst 
the  congratulatory  salutations  of  kindred  spirits,  enters  through 
the  infinite  merit  of  the  blood  of  atonement:  enters  like  the 
weary  traveller  arriving  joyfully,  though  fatigued,  at  his  journey's 
end  :  enters  like  an  exile  returning  from  a  long  captivity,  to  his 
native  home :  enters  triumphant,  as  a  victor  loaded  with  spoils, 
and  crowned  with  conquest,  after  a  severe  campaign :  enters  like 
some  richly  laden  vessel  with  all  its  sails  crowded  to  the  wind. 
Thus  the  righteous  enters,  while  every  golden  harp  is  new  strung 
to  shout  him  welcome  to  the  celestial  city,  and  every  voice  is 
exerted  in  singing.  Open  ye  the  gates  that  the  righteous  may 
enter  in ! 

What  a  glorious  exchange  of  sickness  and  pain  for  everlasting 
rest  and  peace — of  a  ruinous  tabernacle,  for  a  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens — of  a  howling  wilderness,  for 
the  Heavenly  Canaan,  the  palace  of  angels,  the  city  of  God — of 
the  groanings  of  corruption  and  sin,  for  the  songs  of  the  redeemed 
— of  the  cross  for  the  crown — of  the  earth  with  all  its  distractions, 
vanities  and  vicissitudes  and  woes,  for  the  beatitude  of  Heaven, 
and  the  rapturous  enjoyment  of  the  vision  of  God." 

— "  Happy  day !  that  breaks  our  chain ; 
That  manumits ;  that  calls,  from  exile,  home : 
That  leads  to  nature's  great  metropolis. 
And  re-admits  us,  thro'  the  guardian  hand 
Of  elder  brothers,  to  our  Father'' s  throne  !" 

This  is  the  hope  which  the  righteous  hath  in  his  death.  This 
was  our  brother's  character,  and  this  was  of  course  his  hope. 
From  this  elevation,  however,  we  must  descend  to  that  which 

HI.  Claims  our  attention :  An  application  of  these  principles 
to  the  melancholy  occurrence  which  has  called  us  together.  I 
stand  before  you,  brethren,  not  to  make  a  hasty  or  unmeaning 
panegyric ;  but  it  is  due  to  you,  to  the  bereaved  family  of  our 
dear  brother,  to  the  Church,  and  to  myself,  to  oftcr  some  particular 
appropriate  remarks ;  and  lest  I  should  run  the  risk  both  of  wea- 
rying your  patience  by  unnecessary  prolixity,  and  of  carrying  the 
subject  beyond  the  measure  of  my  own  strength,  I  propose  to 
take  some  leading  points,  and  confine  both  my  own,  and  your 
attention,  to  their  consideration. 


BY  REV.  G.  T.  BEDELL,  D.  D.  517 

1.  Our  deceased  brother  was  a  man  whose  early  years  corres- 
ponded witli  the  exhortation  of  the  wise  man,  "  Remember  thy 
Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth." 

Our  brother  was  early  impressed  with  the  importance  of  eternal 
thing's.  At  the  age  of  thirteen  years,  he  was  made  experimen- 
tally acquainted  with  the  saving  truths  of  religion,  and  brought, 
in  no  inconsiderable  degree,  to  the  enjoyment  of  its  comforts.  It 
was  his  habitual  practice  to  retire  for  the  purpose  of  reading  the 
Bible,  and  meditating  o'er  its  sacred  pages,  and  of  pouring  out 
his  soul  to  God  in  prayer  and  supplication. 

I  cannot  forbear  to  mention,  that  like  the  late  lamented  Legh 
Richmond,  and  multitudes  of  others,  who  are  now  numbered  with 
the  saints  in  glory  everlasting,  our  brother  traced  his  serious 
impressions,  under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  to  the  prayers  and 
the  instruction  of  a  pious  mother.  Mothers  in  Israel !  what  a 
responsibility  rests  upon  you,  that  you  bring-  up  your  children  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  Our  deceased  brother, 
and  that  tender  mother  who  taught  him  the  way  of  God  in  truth, 
are  now  together  in  glory. 

2.  Our  brother  early  devoted  his  attention  to  the  ministry  of 
the  everlasting  Gospel.  A  monument  of  divine  grace  himself, 
in  its  converting  and  sanctifying  influences,  he  became  deeply 
interested  in  the  welfare  of  other  immortal  souls.  But  like  many 
others,  struggling  with  difficulties  of  a  pecuniary  description,  he 
devoted  a  considerable  time  to  the  preparation  and  publication  of 
some  volumes,  by  the  proceeds  of  which,  he  was  enabled  to  pro- 
secute his  studies.  At  the  time  of  which  I  am  now  speaking,  he 
was  not  connected  with  the  Episcopal  Church.  He  pursued  his 
studies  sometime  in  the  Theological  Seminary  in  New-York, 
under  the  direction  of  the  celebrated  Scotch  Presbyterian  Divine, 
Dr.  John  M.  Mason,  then  in  the  height  of  his  well-deserved  intel- 
lectual celebrity.  But  even  at  this  time,  the  health  of  our  brother 
was  so  much  impaired,  that  he  was  almost  brought  to  abandon  the 
subject  of  the  ministry.  In  the  year  1814,  a  remarkable  change 
took  place  in  his  views,  in  relation  to  some  interesting  points  of 
speculative  Theology.  In  the  course  of  study,  at  this  period,  the 
subject  of  Church  government  came  before  him,  and  on  a  careful 
and  prayerful  examination, he  determined  to  em  brace  that  form  which 
is  adopted  by  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church ;  and  let  this  one  fact 
answer  to  the  ungenerous  remarks  sometimes  circulated  against 
him,  as  well  as  the  class  of  ministers  with  whom  he  was  connected. 
He  embraced  the  Episcopal  Church,  on  examination,  and  from 
principle,  while  multitudes,  who  make  larger  pretensions,  have  no 
better  reason  than  the  force  of  education.  Having  made  known 
his  determination,  he  removed  to  Virginia,  under  the  direction  of 
Bishop  Moore,  by  whom  he  was,  at  Richmond,  ordained  Deacon  in 
December,  1816,  and  at  Winchester,  Priest,  in  May,  1818. 

3.  Our  brother  was  a  most  zealous  and  indefatigable  servant  of 


518  FtJNEllAL  SERMON, 

his  Master.     His  disposition  to  labour  was  exemplified  in  a  very 
large  degree,  even  before  his  admission  to  the  ministry. 

Immediately  on  his  removal  to  Virginia,  that  state  being  then 
grievously  dtesitute  of  ministers,  he  was  licensed  as  a  Lay  Reader, 
and  as  such,  officiated  in  the  region,  embracing  Jefferson  and 
part  of  Berkeley  counties.  His  regular  congregations  were  in 
Charlestown  and  Shepherdstown,  but  he  went  out  in  all  direc- 
tions, regarding  no  labour  or  difficulty :  raising  up  new  congre- 
gations in  very  many  places,  and  inducing  them  to  settle  ministers. 
This  was  while  he  was  only  a  I^ay-Reader,  and  when  he  was 
ordained,  he  carried  on  the  same  zealous  and  laborious  course.  In 
this  respect,  I  have  frequently  heard  him  spoken  of  by  Bishop 
Moore,  as  one  of  the  most  active  and  laborious  clergymen  in  the 
Diocese  of  Virginia,  sparing  no  pains,  and  appalled  by  no  labours 
or  difficulties  in  the  cause  of  his  Divine  Master.  By  this  exces- 
sive labour,  his  health  was  somewhat  affected ;  but  looking  for- 
ward to  scenes  of  greater  usefulness,  in  October,  1821,  he  took 
the  charge  of  the  parish  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  in  this  city. 

That  here  he  was  zealous  and  indefatigable  in  the  service  of  his 
Master,  there  will  be  none,  I  trust,  to  question.  Indeed,  were  I 
to  be  the  judge,  I  should  say,  from  what  I  personally  knew  of  his 
labours,  that  they  were  really  beyond  human  endurance  for  any 
length  of  time.  Societies  for  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of 
religion:  societies  for  the  amelioration  of  human  suffering :  the 
faithful  discharge  of  parochial  duties;  almost  daily  efforts  for  the 
advancement  of  the  young  in  the  knowledge  of  religion ;  Bible- 
classes;  lectures  by  the  use  of  the  magic  lantern — preach- 
ing three  times  a  day  in  this  enormous  Church,  besides  weekly 
lectures:  taking  all  these  together,  I  have  no  doubt  to  him 
might  safely  be  applied  the  language,  "in  labours  more  abun- 
dant," and  that  he  did  not  count  his  life  dear  unto  himself. 
I  have  oftened  reasoned  with  him  on  the  magnitude  of  his  labours, 
and  I  feel  no  hesitation  in  believing,  and  in  recording  that  belief, 
that,  by  his  labours  while  here,  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  this 
flock,  and  for  the  cause  of  humanity  in  general,  he  prepared 
himself  more  completely  for  the  ravages  of  that  pulmonary  disease, 
which  at  last  led  him  to  the  grave. 

4.  Our  brother  was  a  man  of  remarkable  disinterestedness. 
Here,  my  brethren,  as  on  most  of  the  points  which  I  have,  and  on 
which  I  shall  yet  touch,  I  can  say,  I  speak  that  which  1  do  know, 
and  I  testify  that  which  I  have  seen.  I  feel  not  the  least  hesita- 
tion in  saying,  that  I  have  never  yet  beheld  the  individual  of  more 
pure  and  perfect  disinterestedness.  The  question,  how  will  such 
a  thing  affect  me  personally,  never  entered  into  his  mind,  and 
never  passed  his  lips.  How  will  it  affect  the  cause  of  Christ,  was 
his  only  question ;  and  though  he  might  and  did  sometimes  judge 
erroneously,  his  motive  was  always  good.  I  can  prove  his  disin- 
terestedness by  a  fact,  in  which  I  am  personally  concerned.  He 
knew  that  he  himself  might  be  called  upon  to  suffer  reproach. 


BY  REV.  G.  T.  BEDELL,  D.  D.  519 

and  even  the  deprivation  of  some  valuable  friends  of  his  own,  and 
of  this  Church,  by  encouraging  an  effort  first  suggested  by  himself 
of  my  settlement  in  this  city.  But  time  and  again  have  I  heard 
him  declare,  that  the  cause  of  Christ  was  his  object ;  that  his 
reproaches  and  his  disquiet  were  not  to  be  put  in  competition  with 
a  great  design.  And  when  he  saw  the  large  and  flourishing  con- 
gregation gathered  in  the  Church,  whose  success  he  pushed  on 
with  such  animated  zeal  and  unwearied  effort,  I  never  heard  fro^ 
him  one  word  but  that  of  gratulation  and  thanksgiving.  His  dis- 
interestedness was  a  most  noble,  shining  trait  in  his  character, 
and  it  will  endear  his  memory  to  mine,  so  long  as  it  shall  be  capa- 
ble of  retention.  But  this  same  trait  was  visible  in  a  thousand 
instances.  His  whole  life  was  one  continued  self-sacrifice  for  the 
salvation  of  souls.  And  though  I  stand  not  here  to  justify  all  the 
measures  which  he  thought  right  to  pursue — it  would  be_  false 
friendship  for  me  to  attempt  it — yet  let  this  my  testimony,  stand 
as  long  as  I  have  breath  to  utter  it — for  real  disinterested  desire 
to  do  good,  I  know  not  his  equal. 

5.  Our  brother  was  a  man  of  faith  and  prayer. 

I  believe  it  to  be  the  lot  of  few,  even  of  the  true  disciples  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  have  a  more  steady  and  realizing  faith 
in  the  promises  of  God.  In  the  darkest  seasons  of  temporal  dis- 
tress ;  in  the  most  boisterous  and  perilous  periods  through  which 
the  Church  has  of  late  years  been  compelled  to  pass ;  amidst  all 
the  evil  surmisings,  and  unkind  and  ungenerous  treatment  which 
our  brother  has  been  called  upon  to  endure,  an  unhesitating  trust 
in  the  fulfilment  of  the  promises  of  God  never  forsook  him  for  a 
moment.  There  was  no  season  so  dark,  but  that  his  eye,  illumed 
by  faith,  saw  the  light  which  was  beyond ;  and  this  faith,  it  sustained 
him.  If  you  ask  how  it  was  that  with  him  this  faith  was  always  in 
such  high  and  lively  exercise,  it  can  only  be  answered  by  the  fact, 
that  he  was  a  man  of  prayer.  His  communication  with  the  Father 
of  spirits,  through  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  were  steady:  and  in  every 
thing,  by  prayer  and  supplication,  his  own  spiritual  need — his  tem- 
poral exigencies  and  the  welfare  of  his  own  Church,  and  the  Church 
at  large,  were  made  known  unto  God.  Prayer,  which  the  poet  beau- 
tifully calls  "  the  Christian's  vital  air,"  was  that  which  kept  alive 
in  his  bosom  all  the  fire  of  faith,  and  hope,  and  love.  I  can  appeal  to 
multitudes  in  the  house  of  God,  this  morning,  who  can  testify  to 
his  fervency  in  the  Church  ;  at  the  meetings  for  special  supplica- 
tion ;  at  their  firesides,  and  at  the  beds  of  sickness  ;  you  know,  my 
friends,  that  these  things  are  so.  God,  who  seeth  in  secret,  only 
knows  how  much,  and  how  often  he  poured  out  his  soul  in  ardent 
supplication  that  you  might  be  saved. 

In  declaring  to  you,  my  brethren,  as  I  have  done,  that  our 
brother  was  early  converted  ;  early  directed  his  attention  to  the 
ministry — that  he  was  a  zealous  and  indefatigable  servant  of  his 
Master — that  he  was  a  man  of  distinguished  disinterestedness — 


520  FUNERAL  SERMON, 

and  that  he  was  a  man  of  faith  and  prayer,  I  have  given  him  an 
high  eulogium.  I  have  done  so,  because  I  believe  it  was  his  due, 
and  because  I  believe,  that  few  in  this  city  could  so  well  appre- 
ciate his  character  as  myself.  If  I  am  asked,  whether  I  could 
not  observe  his  failings  ?  I  answer. — His  failings  were  as  appa- 
rent to  my  observation  as  they  could  have  been  to  the  obser- 
vation of  others;  but  I  looked  at  them  with  the  eye  of  friendship : 
many  others  with  an  eye,  to  say  the  least,  much  prejudiced  on  the 
opposite  extreme.  But  I  am  willing  to  risk  the  correctness  of 
my  judgment  upon  this  single  point,  that  his  failings  were  the 
failings  of  a  man  of  sanguine  temperament — that  by  constitutional 
tendencies,  he  was  bold  and  energetic,  hazarding  much,  because 
the  zeal  of  the  house  of  God  consumed  him.  Errors  of  the  judg- 
ment, he  often  committed — not  the  most  partial  friendship  would 
wish  to  conceal  it :  but  errors,  never  of  the  heart.  The  milk  of 
human  kindness  never  flowed  more  purely  than  from  his  bosom. 
Who,  who  is  there  exempt  from  faults  1  Blessed  be  God,  that  in 
his  eye,  it  is  the  purpose  of  the  heart  which  constitutes  the  pre- 
vailing character  of  the  action.  The  frailties,  the  mistakes  of  our 
brother,  let  them  be  buried  in  the  depths  of  the  ocean,  where  Ins 
mortal  body  now  finds  its  resting  place.  His  virtues,  let  them 
alone  be  remembered,  for  they  were  the  triumphs  of  grace  over 
the  infirmities  of  nature — the  planting  of  the  Lord,  that  he  may 
be  glorified.  Safe  be  the  sleep  of  his  mortal  remains,  till  the 
Archangel's  trump  shall  summon  the  mighty  sea  to  give  up  her 
dead. 

The  task  of  friendship  done  to  the  memory  of  our  deceased  bro- 
ther, I  now  turn  to  the  subject  as  it  forces  itself  on  our  immediate 
personal  consideration.  And,  1st.  To  the  friends  and  relatives  of 
our  deceased  brother.  My  duty,  as  it  regards  you,  my  afflicted 
friends,  involves  me  in  no  difficulties ;  for  let  it  be  a  source  of 
abundant  consolation,  that  we  sorrow  not  as  those  who  have  no 
hope ;  for  we  know,  that  "  blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the 
Lord."  The  Church  to  which  we  are  attached,  has  on  such  occa- 
sions put  a  song  into  our  mouths,  even  a  thanksgiving  to  our 
God— 

"  Why  lament  departed  friends, 
Or  shake  at  Death's  alarms  1 

Death's  but  the  servant  Jesus  sends, 
To  call  us  to  his  arms." 

You  have  your  comforts,  and  richer  ones  you  need  not  desire. 
I  know  how  much  more  abundant  would  have  been  your  consola- 
tions, could  your  hands  have  administered  to  the  last  necessities 
of  decaying  nature ;  could  you  have  been  permitted  to  stand  round 
his  bed-side,  and  watched  the  last  gleam  of  light  upon  his  eye  of 
faith.  But  one  who  doeth  all  things  well,  willed  it  otherwise. 
The  deepest  feelings  of  our  hearts  must  be  subdued  into  the 


BY  REV.  G.  T.  BEDELL,  D.  D.  521 

resigned  declaration—"  It  is  the  Lord."  You  are  permitted  to 
know  that  when  his  Master  called,  his  loins  were  girded  about  and 
his  lights  were  burning — the  work  of  preparation  had  long  been 
done;  ^' I  am  ready,"  was  his  dying  declaration.  He  had  nought 
to  do,  but  to  yield  up  his  soul  into  the  hands  of  his  Redeemer. 
Cherish  his  memory,  by  following  the  bright  example  of  his  faith 
and  patience.  Let  Jesus  be  the  refuge  and  the  hope  of  your  souls, 
and  though  separated  you  must  be  till  the  day  of  resurrection,  you 
shall  then  meet  where  parting  and  death  are  known  no  more  for 
ever.  God  keep  you,  and  fill  your  souls  with  abundant  consolation  : 
and  comfort  one  another  with  these  things. 

2d.  I  turn  to  this  congregation.  To  you,  my  friends,  according 
to  the  utmost  measure  of  his  abilities,  he  was  a  faithful  pastor. 
Many  of  you  loved  him,  very  dearly  loved  him;  of  many  who  now 
hear  me,  he  may  be  considered  as  having  been  the  spiritual 
father ;  you  cannot  other  than  cherish  his  memory.  But  to  all  of 
you,  he  stood  in  such  a  relation  as  to  authorize  the  application  of 
the  apostle — "  Remember  them  which  have  the  rule  over  you." 

There  are  three  leading  particulars  in  which  you  are  called 
upon  to  cherish  his  memory.  And  I  feel  constrained  to  mention 
them,  pass  you  what  opinions  you  may  please.  My  duty  must  be 
discharged  regardless  of  all  considerations  but  those  of  duty. 

1.  Cherish  his  memory,  by  attending  to  that  07ie  great  thing 
for  which  he  laboured  ;  your  personal  salvation. 

"  O  !  it  is  a  most  dreadful  thought,  that  the  minister  who  has 
been  always  ready  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  your  service ;  who 
has  watched  over  you,  prayed  for  you,  rejoiced  in  the  hope  of  your 
salvation,  and  triumphed  in  tlie  thought  of  presenting  you  as  his 
joy  and  crown  of  rejoicing  at  tlie  throne  of  Heaven,  may  be  sum- 
moned as  a  swift  witness  against  some  of  you,  and  have  no 
account  to  give  but  of  your  sins.  Oh,  my  dear  friends,  the  bereaved 
congregation  of  a  faithful  minister,  whose  chief  happiness  was 
drawn  from  the  hope  of  a  happy  eternity  with  you  in  the  presence 
of  Christ,  do  not  endure  the  thought  of  an  eternal  separation. 
Bring  not  the  anger  of  Heaven  upon  you  for  a  despised  ministry. 
Requite  his  love,  then,  as  best  you  may,  by  following  his  example 
and  obeying  his  advice.  'They  mourn  the  dead  who  live  as  they 
desire.'  "* 

2.  Cherish  the  memory  of  your  deceased  Pastor,  by  the  charac- 
ter of  the  individual  whom  you  shall  select  as  his  successor.  Un- 
derstand me,  brethren ;  I  speak  not  in  reference  to  any  individual 
upon  earth.  It  would  be  the  height  of  indelicacy  for  me  so  to  do. 
But  I  speak  of  character  and  qualifications.  Choose  as  his  suc- 
cessor one  of  the  same  evangelical  views  and  feelings.  I  do  not 
doubt  you  on  this  subject,  but  I  wish  to  warn  you  against  even  the 

*  Rev.  Wm.  Meade,  on  the  death  of  the  Rev.  Oliver  Norris, 
vy 


522  FUNERAL  SERMON, 

possibility  of  any  other  course.  The  faithful  and  enlightened  fol- 
lowers of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  this  congregation  constitute  its 
moral  and  also  actual  power.  Among  you,  let  there  be  no  divi- 
sions. With  worldly-minded  men,  and  on  worldly  principles, 
make  no  compromises.  Betray  not  the  cause  of  Christ  on  any 
consideration.  Let  any  circumstances  occur — let  any  pastor  be 
chosen  who  should  not  carry  on  your  lectures  and  your  meetings 
for  prayer,  and  your  noble  Sunday-school  operations;  your  Bible- 
classes,  your  methods  of  parochial  visitation,  your  whole  system, 
hallowed  by  the  labours  of  our  brother  and  his  sainted  predeces- 
sor, Pilmore,  and  then  on  these  walls,  and  on  this  pulpit,  and  on 
this  desk,  and  on  this  chancel,  will  be  written — "  Ichabofr — the 
glory  has  departed.  For  your  soul's  salvation,  and  for  the  chil- 
dren whom  this  Church  is  nurturing  for  eternity,  I  charge  you, 
before  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  shall  judge  the  quick  and  dead 
at  his  appearing  and  his  kingdom — let  there  be  no  divisions  among 
you.  If  by  the  division  of  those  called  Christian,  advantage  should 
be  taken  to  change  the  character  and  circumstances  of  this 
Church ;  to  your  consciences  and  to  your  God,  it  never,  never 
can  be  answered.  In  the  present  state  of  atTairs,  offences  probably 
will  come,  but  wo  to  that  man  by  whom  the  offence  cometh. 
Let  there  be  prayer  in  season  and  out  of  season,  that  God  would 
send  you  a  man  after  his  own  heart ;  one  who  shall  go  in  and  out 
before  you  in  the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ, 
and  be  a  faithful  shepherd  of  the  sheep,  rightly  dividing  the  Word 
of  Truth, 

Once  more  :  It  is  a  delicate  task,  but  I  may  not  shrink  from  its 
performance. 

Cherish  the  memory  of  our  deceased  brother,  by  your  regard 
for  his  bereaved,  and  now  destitute  family. — We  have  often  heard, 
my  brethren,  of  the  ingratitude  of  republics.  The  servant  of  the 
public  may  wear  out  his  life  in  the  exhausting  duties  of  his  sta- 
tion, and  then,  when  age  or  infirmities  disqualify  him  for  the 
further  discharge  of  duties,  he  is  cast  off  as  an  incumbrance — all 
his  services  are  forgotten,  and  nothing  is  remembered  but  his 
incapacity  for  further  usefulness.  So,  often,  it  is  with  the  minister 
of  the  Gospel.  His  ten,  his  twenty,  or  his  fifty  years,  may  be 
devoted  to  the  care  of  souls,  in  the  most  persevering  duties  of 
his  exhausting  occupation,  and  then,  as  his  eye  grows  dim,  and 
his  natural  force  abates,  he  is  usually  cast  off  and  left,  superadded 
to  all  the  ills  and  infirmities  of  nature,  to  contend  with  the  iron 
hand  of  poverty.  Still  more  unfortunate,  generally,  is  the  family 
of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel :  and  there  is  no  condition  in  life 
which  is  liable  to  such  sad,  and  such  awfully  appalling  reverses. 
While  he  lives,  they  have  comforts:  the  wife  of  his  bosom  can 
maintain  a  standing  in  society  suitable  to  the  character  of  one 
who  is  on  a  level  with  all ;  his  children  can  obtain  the  benefits  of 
education.  But  let  the  withering  hand  of  death  lay  itself  upon 
the  head,  and  the  members  wither  away  as  in  a  moment.     In  one 


BY  REV.  G.  T.  BEDELL,  D.  D.  523 

sad  instant,  every  thing  is  gone — and  the  stroke  which  removes 
the  Pastor  from  his  flock,  not  only  makes  his  wife  a  widow,  and 
his  children  fatherless,  but  dooms  tliem  at  once  to  hopeless  penury. 
Death  breaks  upon  them  like  a  very  earthquake,  and  they  may 
almost  literally  be  said — to  go  down  alive  in  the  pit.     The  earth 
swallows  up  their  hopes,  their  all.     In  this  situation  stands  the 
family  of  your  deceased  Pastor.     Soon,  by  the  mass  of  you  it  will 
be  forgotten,  whether  they  are  in  existence.     Tiie  cup  they  have 
been  compelled  to  drink  is  bitter  enough  already.     Will  not  your 
remembrance  of  the  man  who  laboured  for  your  souls,  induce  you 
to  some  generous  deeds  to  those  whose  bodies  are  left  the  only 
legacy  he  could  bequeath?  I  cannot  carry  out  the  subject:  The 
situation  of  my  own  dear  family,  when  death  shall  deprive  them 
of  all  the  hopes  which  are  built  on  the  frail  tenure  of  my  own 
existence,  sends  a  pang  to  my  heart,  and  chokes  the  utterance  of 
my  lips.     No  refuge  has  our  brother's  family  but  God — no  effi- 
cient earthly  friends  but  those  wlio  here  love  them  for  their 
father's  sake.     Oh  pray  ye,  that  the  everlasting  arms  may  be 
underneath  them,  and  then  let  Christian  love  animate  your  hearts 
and  hands  to  some  deed,  by  w  hich  the  memory  of  our  brother  may 
be  cherished.     He  lives  in  those  he  has  left  behind  him.     Let  us 
act  as  with  that  time  in  view,  when  the  sea  shall  give  up  her  dead, 
and  Pastor  and  people  meet  before  the  throne.     "Then  shall  the 
king  say  unto  them  on  his  right  hand,  inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  to 
one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  did  it  unto  me." 


The  Sunday  after  the  foregoing  sermon  was  delivered  in  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Dr.  Bedell  delivered  it  to  his  own  congregation, 
in  St.  Andrew's  Church,  on  which  occasion  the  following  intro- 
duction was  used — 

Previous  to  entering  on  the  more  immediate  subject  of  my  dis- 
course, I  feel  it  incumbent  on  me  to  anticipate  an  objection  which 
may  naturally  arise.  It  may  seem  strange  to  some,  that  I  should 
preach  a  sermon  in  commemoration  of  the  Rector  of  another  Parish. 
The  answer  to  this,  however,  is  obvious  and  satisfactory ;  for  be- 
sides the  personal  intimacy  and  friendship  which  existed  between 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen  and  myself,  which  would  alone  be  a  sufficient 
reason,  there  are  peculiar  circumstances  connected  with  this 
Church,  which  renders  it  an  act  of  justice  to  his  memory.  By  a 
series  of  most  marked  providential  interferences,  it  was  through 
the  instrumentality  of  Mr.  Allen,  that  my  attention  was  first 
directed  to  this  city.  And  when  I  passed  through  it,  seven  years 
ago,  it  was  his  perseverance  which  induced  me  to  remain  even 
Jong  enough  to  preach.     And  when  this  Church  was  projected, 


524  FUNERAL  SERMON. 

there  are  many  now  here  who  are  the  witnesses  of  the  zeal  and 
labour  with  which  he  pursued  the  object.  And  he  never  ceased 
to  exert  himself,  till  he  saw  the  corner-stone  laid  with  solemn 
religious  ceremonies,  himself  detivering  the  appropriate  address. 
Under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  then,  I  consider  this  Church  as 
indebted  much  to  his  instrumentality,  and  that,  at  the  very  least, 
it  becomes  us  to  pay  some  public  demonstration  of  respect  to  his 
memory.  Let  this,  then,  serve  as  explanatory  of  the  reasons,  why 
I  have  deemed  it  expedient  and  proper  to  preach  before  you,  as 
far  as  the  different  circumstances  in  which  we  are  placed  will 
allow,  the  same  discourse  which  on  Sunday  last  I  delivered  to  his 
bereaved  congregation- 


SOME  ACCOUNT  OT  THE  BIBLE  CLASSES  OF  ST.  _PaTJL's  CIIURCII, 
PHILADELPHIA  —  BY  THE  KEV.  BENJAMIN  ALLEN,  RECTOR 
OF  SAID  CHURCH. 

As  has  been  mentioned  in  the  preceding  Memoir,  some  of  the 
brethren  in  England  were  anxious  to  be  informed  of  the  mode  of 
conducting  Bible-Classes.  In  compliance  with  their  request,  my 
brother  prepared  a  history  of  his  movements  in  connexion  with 
his  own  class. 

The  account  was  given  in  the  following  series  of  Letters, 
addressed  to  a  "  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother,"  who,  no  doubt,  was  the 
Rev.  William  Carus  Wilson. 

The  Letters  were  published  in  London,  by  L.  B.  Seeley  and 
Sons,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  W.  C.  Wilson.  The  pub- 
lication was  made  after  the  death  of  my  brother,  for  the  benefit 
of  his  family.  And  with  gratitude,  I  am  enabled  to  testify,  that 
a  very  considerable  sum  has  been  realized, 

The  following  is  the  dedication — 

"  To  William  Wilson  Carus  Wilson,  Esq.  of  Casterton  Hall, 
Westmoreland :  beneath  whose  hospitable  roof  the  greater  part 
of  these  few  pages  was  prepared,  they  are  now  dedicated ;  as  a 
slight  expression  of  the  gratitude  which  his  Christian  courtesy 
and  kindness  have  awakened.  May  the  blessing  of  the  Most  High 
rest  upon  his  children's  children ;  and  may  he,  and  they,  with  all 
they  love,  arrive,  in  due  time,  at  the  rest  which  remaineth  for 
the  people  of  God. 

June,  1828." 


LETTER  L 

Rev.  AND  Dear  Brother  : 

The  world  calls  you  honourable ;  and  I  have  great  pleasure  in 
regarding  you  as  such,  in  the  highest  senseof  the  term.  A  name 
enrolled  in  the  I^amb's  Book  of  Life,  shines  with  a  brighter  lustre 
than  earth  can  bestow.  The  expression  of  an  humble  hope  that 
your  name  is  thus  enrolled,  does  not  excite  in  you  any  unhallowed 
feeling.     Are  you  not  conscious,  that  it  is  of  free,  unmerited 

y2 


526  ACCOUNT  OF 

mercy  you  are  wJiat  you  are  ]  'Tis  cheering  to  a  stranger  to  greet 
a  brother  in  the  pilgrimage,  and  unite  with  him  in  ascribing  glory 
to  the  Lovely  One  who  has  redeemed  us  by  his  blood.  To  him 
be  all  honour,  power,  might,  majesty,  and  dominion  for  ever. 

The  theme  concerning  which  you  desire  me  to  write,  is  to  me 
most  delightful.  I  can  frame  no  opposition  to  your  request,  for, 
in  complying  with  it,  I  shall  indulge  the  richest  emotions. 

The  hours  passed  with  my  Bible-class  have  been  among  the 
happiest  of  my  life.  I  would  fain  say  to  them,  what  one  in  your 
own  land  has  said  of  other  hours;  "  very  pleasantly  did  they  pass, 
and  moved  smoothly  and  swiftly  along  ;  they  are  gone,  but  have 
left  a  relish  and  a  fragrance  upon  the  mind,  and  the  remembrance 
of  them  is  sweet."  Happier  I  do  not  expect  to  know,  until  I 
"reach  the  peaceful  shore  of  blest  eternity."  They  rise  upon  my 
view  like  the  rich  scenes  of  a  beautiful  landscape ;  and  their 
interest  is  not  a  little  heightened  by  the  thought,  that  some, 
whose  society  I  enjoyed  in  the  midst  of  them,  now  rest  in  heaven. 
Yes,  of  the  dear  youth  who  have  been  in  the  Bible-class,  more 
than  one  has  gone  down  to  the  grave  "  in  sure  and  certain  hope 
of  a  joyful  resurrection."  I  seem  to  recal  them  around  me  as  I 
write.  I  beheld  them  listening  as  they  were  wont,  with  the 
seriousness  of  devoted  piety,  to  the  sacred  page  ;  both  answering 
and  asking  me  questions;  and  for  a  moment  I  forget  that  they  are 
no  more  living  and  breathing  upon  earth.  If  the  thought  breaks 
in  upon  my  mind  that  they  have  departed,  it  is  accompanied  by 
the  recollection  of  the  peace  of  their  dying  moments,  and  for  that 
peace,  I  desire  ever  to  be  thankful. 

There  is  another  circumstance  which  makes  this  theme  plea- 
sant. I  have  probably  no  more  warmly  attached  friends  in  the 
world  than  the  members  of  my  Bible-class.  They  regard  me  with  a 
strength  of  affection  which  I  by  no  means  deserve :  but  which 
arises  from  their  perception  of  spiritual  benefits  resulting  from 
the  exercises  in  which  they  have  been  engaged.  They  regard 
me  as  God's  instrument:  and  if,  from  the  infirmity  of  human 
nature,  they  treat  the  instrument  with  more  attention  than  he 
merits,  you  will  allow,  that,  while,  as  in  duty  bound,  I  caution 
them  against  idolatry  to  the  creature,  it  cannot  but  be  cheering 
to  me  to  meditate  upon  their  friendship.  They  are  my  "joy  and 
crown;"  and  many  of  them,  I  humbly  hope,  will,  through  the 
abounding  grace  of  God,  be  "  stars  in  my  crown  of  rejoicing." 

Trusting  that  your  feelings  as  a  pastor  will  excuse  these  reflec- 
tions, I  proceed  to  give  some  account  of  the  origin,  progress,  and 
blessed  fruits  of  the  Bible-Class  of  St.  Paul's  Church. 

I  know  not  how  it  may  have  been  with  you,  my  brother,  but 
the  opening  of  the  twelfth  chapter  of  the  book  of  Ecclesiastes  has 
always  appeared  to  my  mind  peculiarly  interesting.  In  saying, 
"Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth," 
Jehovah  calls  upon  the  whole  race  of  Adam  to  become  obedient 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  527 

to  his  will.  He  says  to  each  successive  generation,  bow  at  the 
foot  of  my  throne,  and  receive  the  blessings  of  the  life  which  now 
is,  and  of  that  which  is  to  come.  The  Lord,  the  Lord  God,  merci- 
ful and  gracious,  speaks  from  his  pavillion,  and  invites  the  young 
to  become  his  sons  and  his  daughters.  He  addresses  himself  to 
the  tender  heart  and  the  opening  mind ;  ere  satan  has  established 
his  dominion  in  the  soul,  or  the  world  has  spread  its  enticing 
snares  ;  before  "  the  evil  days  come,  or  the  years  draw  nigh  when 
they  say,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  them."  The  "  high  and  lofty 
one  who  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose  name  is  Holy,"  thus  bending 
from  his  throne  to  counsel  the  rising  generation,  is  a  spectacle 
astonishing  to  angels,  and  a  spectacle  which  should  lead  to  deep 
meditation  on  the  part  of  man.  God  acts  not  without  reason.  Our 
duty,  therefore,  is  to  ponder  his  doings,  that  we  may  learn  the 
way  of  wisdom  for  ourselves. 

The  susceptibility  of  the  young  is,  undoubtedly,  one  reason  why 
our  Heavenly  Father  is  pleased  thus  to  address  them.  They  are 
ready  to  receive  any  impression.  Their  expanding  faculties  look 
abi-oad  and  inquire  for  information.  They  are  sensible  of  depend- 
ence ;  and  the  price  they  are  ready  to  pay  for  protection  and 
other  benefits,  is  obedience.  True,  the  waywardness  of  their 
nature  prompts  them  to  rebel ;  but  they  are  by  no  means  pre- 
pared to  assert  an  independence  of  parents  and  teachers;  and 
wholesome,  affectionate  discipline,  can  easily  guide  them  into  the 
way  they  should  go. 

Such  a  period  never  again  returns  during  the  life  of  man. 
Should  we  not  then  feel  the  importance  of  improving  this  seed- 
time ]  Infinite  Wisdom  sets  us  the  example.  Infinite  Wisdom  no 
where  displays  itself  in  a  more  charming  manner  than  in  calling 
the  young  to  the  lessons  of  the  sacred  page :  to  contemplate  the 
wonders  of  creating,  preserving,  and  redeeming  love.  Oh!  what 
more  becoming  in  us,  than  to  invite  them  to  stand  at  the  foot  of 
the  Redeemer's  cross,  and  receive  into  their  understandings  a 
knowledge  of  him  who  "was  wounded  for  their  transgressions !" 
What  more  suitable  than  to  entreat  them  to  look  away  from  Cal- 
vary to  the  right  hand  of  the  throne,  and  behold  "the  crown 
which  fadeth  not  away ;"  the  "joy  which  is  unspeakable;"  the 
glories  of  that  everlasting  home,  where  "  the  Lamb  in  the  midst 
of  the  throne  will  feed  his  people,  and  God  himself  wipe  away  all 
tears  from  their  eyes !" 

There  are  reasons  for  calling  upon  the  young  to  "  remember 
their  Creator,"  which  are  consequences  of  the  susceptibility  I 
have  mentioned.  One  is,  the  permanence  of  the  impressions 
they  receive.  Ask  an  aged  man  what  it  is  his  memory  holds  with 
greatest  tenacity.  He  will  tell  you,  "the  scenes  and  instruc- 
tions of  my  childhood."  Doddridge  remembered  to  his  latest  day, 
the  Dutch  tile  from  which  his  mother  taught  him  a  lesson  of 
Scripture.     Gray,  the  poet,  speaks  beautifully  of  the  occurrences 


528  ACCOUNT  OF 

of  childhood.  And  where  is  there  an  individual  who  has  advanced 
into  the  vale  of  years,  that  does  not  know  more  of  the  circum- 
stances of  youth  than  of  those  of  middle  age  !  We  see  even  such 
as  are  bowed  beneath  the  weight  of  fourscore,  retaining  a  most 
vivid  impression  of  the  lessons  their  mothers  taught  them.  "  Train 
up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go,  and  when  he  is  old  he  will 
not  depart  from  it,"  is  the  saying  of  God  himself.  Would  we 
then  see  a  generation  rising  up  to  serve  the  Lord  ]  a  people 
whose  habits  are  moral,  and  whose  enjoyments  are  holy,  covering 
the  land  1  We  must  seize  the  interesting  period  when  the  mind  is 
ready  to  receive,  and  retain  the  instructions  we  give  it:  we  must 
see  that  all  know  the  Scriptures,  even  as  Timothy  knew  them, 
"from  a  child  :"  we  must  give  ourselves,  if  not  wholly,  at  least  in 
great  measure,  to  the  work  of  training  the  young  "in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord." 

The  frame  of  society  is  such,  that  the  young  are  led  not  only  to 
look  up  with  veneration  to  parents  and  teachers  while  living,  but 
to  retain  a  strong  recollection  of  their  opinions  and  instructions  • 
after  they  are  dead  ;  so  that  when  scenes  of  youth  rise  upon  the 
memory,  the  lovely  forms  of  pastor  and  parent  appear  again ; 
resume  their  influence ;  and,  as  it  were,  repeat  their  lessons. 
How  important  then  is  it,  that  those  forms  should  be  associated 
with  the  idea  of  Scriptural  instruction;  that  the  lessons  they 
repeat  should  be  lessons  of  Infinite  Wisdom  ;  and  that  the  child, 
then  become  a  man,  should,  as  he  thinks  of  the  past,  be  led  to 
look  forward  to  the  heavenly  home  in  which  parents,  and  children, 
and  pastors,  may  meet,  never  to  be  separated. 

A  prominent  reason  for  saying  to  the  young,  "  remember  now 
thy  Creator"  is,  that  youth  is  liable  to  be  called  to  eternity  as 
well  as  old  age.  I  have  seen  the  eye  sparkling,  the  cheek  rich 
with  bloom ;  and  the  whole  countenance  lighted  up  with  the  ani- 
mation of  health  :  as  I  beheld  the  form  moving  with  activity  amid 
scenes  of  pleasure  and  hope,  it  has  seemed  as  if  perpetual  joy  was 
the  inheritance  of  youth.  But,  when  summoned  to  behold  the 
same  form  on  the  bed  of  sickness,  the  same  clieek  pale  with  dis- 
ease, the  same  eye  dimmed  by  the  approach  of  death,  I  have  felt 
the  truth  of  the  saying,  "  all  flesh  is  as  grass,  and  all  the  goodli- 
ness  thereof  as  the  flower  of  the  field."  Yes,  and  when  by  the 
pillow  of  the  dying  youth,  I  have  heard  the  inquiry,  what  must  I 
do  to  be  saved  1  I  have  felt,  as  I  now  feel  at  the  recollection  of 
such  a  scene,  it  is  important  for  the  young  to  "  remember  their 
Creator,"  because  they  may  never  be  favoured  with  any  other 
period  than  that  of  youth  in  which  to  remember  him.  I  have 
heard  the  beautiful  female  when  suddenly  called  to  the  experi- 
ence of  death,  exclaim,  "  will  the  heavenly  Father  of  whom  you 
speak  have  mercy  upon  one,  who  has  neglected  to  seek  him  until 
her  last  hour  ?"  1  have  heard  the  young  man  sinking  beneath  the 
arm  of  the  destroyer  say,  "  Oh !  that  the  Lord  would  have  mercy 
upon  me !" 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  529 

And  shall  not  scenes  like  these — scenes  which  are  continually 
occurring,  arouse  us  to  entreat  the  young  to  remember  their 
Creator  .'  I  know  not  what  must  be  the  feelings  of  the  heart  that 
is  indifferent  to  the  salvation  of  souls.  Such  a  heart  is  certainly 
not  one  renewed  by  divine  grace.  Such  a  heart,  my  brother,  is 
not  yours. 

One  reason  why  the  young  should  be  called  upon  to  "  remem- 
ber their  Creator,"  appeals  with  great  power  to  parents.  As  the 
feebleness  and  infirmity  of  age  draw  nigh,  what  so  cheering  to  a 
parent  as  the  piety  of  his  children  !  To  see  them  walking  in  the 
way  of  the  Lord ;  their  time,  their  talents,  their  all  devoted  to 
Jesus  :  they  living  only  to  be  benefactors  to  man — channels  of 
blessing  to  all  who  are  around  them.  What  aged  father,  what  even 
dying  mother,  but  must  rejoice !  When,  on  the  other  hand,  a 
parent  who  has  affectionately  watched  over  his  child,  beholds  him 
in  the  ways  of  profanity — "in  the  seat  of  the  "scorner" — with 
the  riotous  and  the  wine-bibber — how  unutterable  the  anguish 
that  seizes  on  his  soul.  "  My  son  !  my  son !  would  God  1  had 
died,  rather  than  to  have  seen  thee  thus !"  is  oft  liis  exclamation. 
And  what  can  make  a  child  grow  up  to  be  a  blessing]  The  law 
of  the  Lord.  What  can  occasion  purity  and  holiness  in  his  life 
and  conversation  1  The  inspired  Word.  If  carried  home  to  his 
heart  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  divine  truth  will  be  to  him  a  means 
of  holiness  ;  and,  in  consequence,  will  be  to  his  parent  more  pre- 
cious than  rubies.  The  husbandman  desires  an  abundant  harvest ; 
he  ploughs  the  ground  and  casts  in  the  seed ;  and  the  rain  from 
heaven  comes,  with  the  beams  of  the  rising  sun,  and  a  harvest  is 
gathered.  So  let  the  anxious  father,  the  affectionate  pastor,  sow 
the  seed  of  Scriptural  truth :  the  promise  is,  it  shall  not  be  in 
vain.  It  shall  accomplish  that  which  the  Lord  pleases:  it  shall 
prosper  in  the  thing  whereto  he  sends  it. 

Thoughts  like  these  have  long  dwelt  upon  my  mind ;  and  it 
was  in  consequence  of  such  thoughts,  that  I  was  led  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  my  Bible-Class.  It  had  been  my  delightful  habit  to 
instruct  the  children  of  the  congregation :  but  the  Bible-Class 
was  instituted  for  those  who  had  passed  the  period  of  childhood  : 
for  young  ladies  and  young  gentlemen  who  had  passed  the  age  of 
fourteen,  I  saw  the  benefit  of  instructions  addressed  to  youth 
while  in  a  country  parish ;  I  had  heard  of  Bible-classes  existing 
in  different  parts  of  the  United  States :  and,  on  moving  to  Phila- 
delphia, I  resolved,  in  dependence  on  the  aid  of  "  Him  without 
whom  nothing  is  strong,"  to  establish  a  Bible-class  on  what 
appeared  to  me  an  improved  mode. 

Having  thus  resolved,  I  commenced  the  work  in  the  manner 
which  shall  be  detailed  in  a  letter  to  our  mutual  friend.  May  the 
blessing  of  the  Most  High  rest  upon  you  ! 


530  ACCOUNT  OF 


LETTER  II. 


Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : 

When  we  stood  together  at  the  grave  of  the  Thorntons,  it 
occurred  to  me  that  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  another  sepulchre 
containing  the  relics  of  as  much  philanthropy.  The  idea  I  then 
cherished  I  expressed  to  you.  While  meditating  upon  the  Scrip- 
tural instruction  of  the  young,  I  cannot  but  say,  that  the  reason 
why  we  are  not  favoured  with  more  frequent  instances  of  expan- 
sive benevolence,  is  our  neglect  of  Bible-teaching.  We  suffer 
ourselves  to  be  seduced  by  custom  into  a  course,  which,  if  we 
were  false  philosophers  or  deists,  migfht  become  us;  but  which, 
as  we  profess  to  be  Christians,  is  wonderful.  "  Do  men  gather 
grapes  of  thorns,  or  figs  of  thistles'!"  We  leave  our  youth  with- 
out any  regular,  systematic,  well-applied  plan  of  instruction  in 
the  Sacred  Word,  and  we  expect  them  to  become  ornaments  to 
the  country  and  pillars  of  the  Church.  Was  it  thus  the  Almighty 
counselled  the  Israelites  to  act,  when  he  said  concerning  his 
revealed  law,  "  Thou  shalt  teach  them,  diligently  unto  thy  chil- 
dren ;  and  shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  in  tliine  house,  and 
when  thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and 
when  thou  risest  upl"  Did  our  blessed  Lord  act  thus,  when  he 
continually  referred  to  the  ancient  Scriptures  ?  Did  the  inspired 
apostle  at  Athens  counsel  the  Areopagus,  or  preach  to  the  young 
to  go  to  the  fables  of  Jupiter  and  Venus  for  instruction?  "The 
times  of  this  ignorance,"  said  he,  "  God  winked  at ;  but  now  com- 
mandeth  all  men  every  where  to  repent."  Are  we  then  to  anti- 
cipate a  generation  of  philanthropists  and  holy  men,  while  so  little 
care  is  taken  to  hold  up  to  our  young  the  example  of  the  Saviour, 
and  invite  them  into  the  paths  of  the  Gospel  ? 

The  Bible-Class  of  which  I  am  to  speak,  was  commenced  in 
the  following  manner : 

Notice  having  been  given  of  the  design,  a  number  of  young 
ladies  came  together  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  a  Friday 
in  February,  1822.  The  place  of  their  assemblage  was  a  large 
school-room.  The  exercises  of  the  occasion  began  with  singing, 
and  the  use  of  the  liitany.  When  prayer  and  praise  had  ended, 
they  were  addressed  on  the  importance  of  religion  to  the  young; 
an  appeal  was  made  to  them  concerning  the  benefits  that  would 
result  to  their  souls,  for  time  and  eternity,  if  they  diligently 
searched  the  Scriptures,  and  implored  God's  blessing  on  what 
they  read.  They  listened  attentively.  There  was  enough  in 
the  subject  to  recommend  it  to  their  thoughts,  and  they  were 
anxious  to  embrace  the  privilege  of  becoming  thoroughly  ac- 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  53l 

quainted  with  the  divine  word.  Among  them  were  many  whose 
minds  and  hearts  were  not  yet  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  the 
Gospel ;  some  of  the  thoughtless  and  the  gay,  even  the  votaries 
of  fashion,  were  there ;  for  an  elderly  lady  of  great  seriousness, 
who  came  among  them,  said  to  me  afterwards,  she  had  scarcely 
been  in  the  company  of  as  many  fashionable  persons  for  twenty 
years.  It  rejoiced  my  heart  to  see  the  young,  even  those  whose 
souls  were  not  yet  given  to  the  Lord,  thus  come  trooping  to 
engage  in  searching  the  Scriptures.  I  blessed  God  for  what  he 
had  done,  and  entered  upon  my  work  with  hope — hope,  which  I 
am  thankful  to  say,  was  not  disappointed. 

"  My  first  and  greatest  success,"  I  may  say  with  Baxter,  "  was 
among  the  young;"  and  this  was  the  manner  of  it. 

At  the  close  of  the  lecture,  I  informed  the  members  of  the  class 
that  questions  arising  out  of  the  first  ten  chapters  of  the  Bible, 
had  been  prepared ;  each  written  on  a  slip  of  paper ;  and  were 
then  lying  in  a  small  drawer  under  a  letter-box,  made  for  the 
purpose.  Every  one  was  solicited  to  take  a  question  home  with 
her:  examine  the  portion  of  Scripture  out  of  which  it  was  to  be 
answered ;  and  bring  a  written  answer  on  the  next  Friday.  I 
urged  them  to  write  their  answers  at  full ;  to  mingle  their  own 
reflections;  express  themselves  in  their  own  words,  instead  of 
adhering  too  closely  to  a  commentary ;  and  to  write  with  freedom 
as  well  as  fulness.  Each  young  lady  was  also  desired  to  attach 
to  the  bottom  of  her  answer  any  question,  concerning  any  portion 
of  Scripture,  hut  more  especially  the  one  under  review,  concern- 
ing which  she  wished  to  inquire ;  and  a  promise  was  given  on  my 
part  to  answer  such  questions.  No  young  lady  was  to  attach  her 
name  to  an  answer.  There  was  in  consequence  not  the  least 
objection  to  writing,  and  to  writing  with  the  greatest  fulness  and 
freedom. 

The  retiring  character  appropriate  to  the  female,  was  not 
invaded.  The  utmost  delicacy  of  form  in  conducting  the  class, 
was  preserved.  The  members  of  the  class  were  spared  those  un- 
pleasant feelings,  always  incident  to  being  publicly  catechised. 
And,  whereas  in  giving  oral  answers,  the  most  uninformed  might, 
from  not  having  so  large  a  share  of  natural  timidity,  have  appeared 
to  the  greatest  advantage ;  in  written  answers  the  real  character 
of  the  mind  displayed  itself  I  was  gratified  by  seeing  them  take 
their  questions,  and  retire  with  the  intention  of  meeting  me  with 
answers  on  the  afternoon  of  the  next  Friday. 

I  could  not  but  feel,  at  the  close  of  our  first  exercise,  that  it  was 
good  to  be  thus  employed :  for  who,  said  I  to  myself,  are  these 
youth"!  Are  they  not  the  future  wives  and  mothers  of  the  land? 
The  hope  of  many  a  family  ?  The  centre  of  influence  to  many  a 
future  scene]  May  not  villages,  towns,  cities  be  benefitted, 
through  their  agency  1  Will  they  not,  after  I  am  dead,  rise  up  to 
assert,  each  in  her  proper  sphere,  the  excellence  of  piety — the 
value  of  the  Gospel  1 


532  ACCOUNT  OF 

Oh  !  I  felt  thankful  for  having  been  permitted  thus  to  assemble 
Ihem,  and  I  returned  to  my  home  to  praise  God  for  what  I  had 
witnessed. 

I  soon  heard  from  various  quarters,  that  the  plan  of  written 
answers  to  written  questions  was  about  to  make  the  class  popular. 
The  usual  mode,  being  oral,  had  kept  many  from  attending  other 
classes.  Some  of  the  ladies  of  my  own  congregation,  when  they 
iirst  heard  of  my  design  to  establish  a  class,  had  declared  their 
unwillingness  to  attend,  saying  they  were  too  old  to  be  catechised : 
but  the  moment  the  plan  of  written  answers  was  developed,  they 
at  once  resolved  to  come. 

The  next  Friday  afternoon  was  cheered  by  a  still  more  inter- 
esting scene.  The  young  ladies  attended  in  large  numbers. 
They  brought  their  answers  to  the  first  questions:  and  I  had 
arranged  the  second  set  of  questions  out  of  the  second  ten  chap- 
ters of  the  book  of  Genesis.  The  exercises  commenced  as  before 
with  singing,  and  the  use  of  the  Litany ;  after  which,  a  lecture 
was  given  on  the  evidences  of  Christianity — the  reasons  why  we 
receive  the  Bible  as  the  word  of  God :  together  with  a  few  histo- 
rical notices  concerning  the  principal  writers,  the  preservation 
and  translation  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  &c. 

In  this  and  every  other  lecture  my  aim  was  to  be  easy  of  appre- 
hension, and  level  to  every  understanding.  We  sometimes  mis- 
take in  addressing  even  the  higher  classes  of  society.  The  man 
of  great  mind  prefers  a  simple  mode  of  address;  and  there  are 
few  congregations  in  any  part  of  the  world  in  which  all  have 
great  minds.  In  addressing  the  Bible-Class  my  desire  was  to  be 
understood  by  all ;  and,  what  is  of  still  more  consequence,  to 
reach  the  heart  of  all.  The  Holy  Spirit  claims  the  prerogative 
of  influencing  the  heart,  as  well  as  of  truly  enlightening  the 
mind.  But  the  Holy  Spirit  condescends  to  the  use  of  means; 
and  it  is  certainly  important,  that  we  carefully  select  and  appro- 
priately use  the  best  means. 

At  the  close  of  this  second  meeting  of  the  class,  the  [young 
ladies  deposited  their  answers  in  the  letter-box;  and  then,  from 
the  drawer  under  it,  took  their  second  set  of  questions.  I  carried 
their  answers  to  my  study,  and,  during  the  week,  examined  them. 
They  displayed  a  variety  of  degrees  of  research,  but  were  all 
interesting.  Some  were  replete  with  expressions  of  thankfulness 
for  the  opportunity  of  engaging  in  searching  the  Scriptures,  in 
what  was  regarded  as  a  profitable  manner.  Not  a  few  presented 
texts  from  the  sacred  page  corroborating  the  statements  made ; 
some  indulged  in  pious  reflections,  which  I  rejoiced  to  read ;  some 
appended  to  the  view  of  doctrine  or  of  duty  given,  questions  which 
had  arisen  in  the  writer's  mind,  and  which  I  was  glad  to  have  the 
privilege  of  answering — all  proved  incontestibly,  that  the  pastor 
who  desires  the  good  of  his  flock,  will  do  well  to  establish  a  Bible- 
Class. 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES,  533 

The  labour  of  reading  the  answers  was  compensated  by  the 
abundant  pleasure;  and  the  time  they  occupied  was  by  no  means 
great.  Moreover  it  was  time  selected  from  the  leisure  hours  of  a 
whole  week.  Leisure — did  I  say  !  Indeed,  my  brother,  1  tlunk  1 
ought  to  ask  pardon  for  that  expression — an  expression  I  have 
already  used  in  conversing  with  you  upon  the  same  theme.  Is  it 
only  the  leisure  time  of  a  clergyman  that  is  to  be  given  t*) 
instructing  the  young  of  his  parish  in  the  truth  of  God  .'  &huuld 
it  not  be  "his  meat  and  his  drink"  to  fill  every  opening  mind 
with  the  precepts  of  the  Gospel  f  Siiall  he  be  content  to  tinv« 
into  a  corner  that  part  of  his  duty  which  promises  the  most  abun- 
dant harvest  of  good — the  greatest  number  of  souls  as  seals  of  iin 
ministry]  Has  he  a  hope  of  wearing  a  crown  "  which  fadeth  not 
away,"  and  does  he  desire  to  have  in  that  crown  numerous  stars  '. 
Let  him  never  think  it  sufficient  to  seek  merely  leisure  hours  (or 
attending  to  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  young.  Nay  :  verily — 
ratlier  let  him  look  at  the  example  of  him  who  passed  whole 
nights  in  prayer ;  and,  rather  than  not  read  attentively  the  au- 
Bwers  of  a  Bible-class,  borrow  moments  from  his  pillow. 

I  pray  you  suffer  the  word  of  exhortation  on  this  subject,  for 
really  my  heart  constrains  me.  Necessity  is  laid  upon  nie  to 
entreat  others  to  sit  down  to  the  rich  banc^uet  of  spiritual  joy  of 
which  I  have  myself  partaken,  and  of  wiiich  I  am  able  to  r«'pc>rt 
that  it  is  most  delightful.  "  I  rejoiced  greatly,"  said  one  of  oKi 
Ui  an  elect  lady,  "  that  I  found  of  thy  children  walking  in  tiie 
truth."  Brethren  in  the  ministry,  who  may  read  these  lines,  do 
you  desire  to  partake  of  an  Apostle's  satisfaction,  and  to  rejoice 
with  the  fathers  and  motliers  of  your  flock  over  the  rising  oti- 
springl  Then  I  beseech  yon  assemble  the  young,  and  devote  much 
of  your  invaluable  time  to  the  work  of  instructing  them  in  the 
sacred  page.  I  have  felt  on  going  to  a  country  parish,  and  there 
findinij  that  the  lapse  of  a  few  years  had  transformed  those  wiio 
were  children  when  I  was  among  them,  into  fathers  and  mothers 
of  families — I  have  felt  that  the  period  of  youth  was  infinitely 
precious  as  a  period  of  pastoral  instruction.  I  have  said — Oh  ! 
tliat  I  had  done  more!  Oh!  that  some  neglected  opportunities 
may  not  rise  against  me  in  judgment!  A  tew  years  ago,  and 
those  wlio  now  are  beyond  llie  reach  of  my  influence,  were  reaily 
to  listen  to  my  every  word  ;  to  drink  in,  like  the  thirsty  earlh,  tiie 
rain  and  the  dew  of  spiritual  instruction.  I  had  catechised  them 
— had  prayed  with  them — but  I  had  not  done  all  that  I  might  have 
done.  And  thus  it  is  every  where.  A  little  time,  and  those  wlio 
were  children  at  your  feet,  are  young  men  and  women  ;  and  those 
who  were  young  men  and  women  are  surrounded  with  families; 
and  those  who  were  surrounded  with  families,  are,  like  the  scathed 
oak,  tottering  on  the  brink  of  the  grave.  Oh  pastors !  pastors  1 
are  we  set  to  snatch  souls  as  brands  from  the  burning?  Are  we 
commanded  to  "  exhort  with  all  long-sufl^ering  and  doctrine,  iu 

zz 


534  ACCOUNT  OF 

season  and  out  of  season!"  Shall  we  not  pity  the  young?  shall  w© 
not  pity  the  aged,  who  yet  are  alive,  and  desire  the  salvation  of 
their  offspring ]  shall  we  not  pity  the  land  in  which  we  dwell! 
shall  we  not  have  compassion  on  the  world?  Let  us  then  be  up 
and  doing — thinking  nothing  done  while  any  thing  remains  un- 
done— exerting  ourselves  above  all  for  the  rising  generation. 
"  Praying  always  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in  the  spirit, 
and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perseverance." 

May  your  prayers  ascend  for  me,  that  I  may  be  guided  in  the 
right  way ;  and  may  we  and  ours  meet  in  a  happy  eternity. 


LETTER  III. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : 

When  you  led  the  devotions  of  the  few  who  assembled  a  short 
time  since  to  converse  about  the  instruction  of  the  young,  it  was 
your  prayer  that  God  would  be  pleased  to  make  use  of  our  con- 
.Multations  for  the  promotion  of  his  cause.  I  feel  as  I  now  write, 
there  is  little  hope  of  any  good  resulting  from  what  I  am  doing  ; 
what  are  the  statements  of  an  individual,  and  that  individual  a 
stranger,  likely  to  effect!  but,  encouraged  by  that  prayer,  and  by 
the  saying  of  Scripture  that  the  "  weak  things  of  the  world"  are 
chosen  as  instruments,  I  proceed. 

The  young  ladies  of  the  Bible-class  assembled  for  the  third 
time  on  the  third  Friday  afternoon  at  three  or  four  o'clock.  At 
that  third  meeting  I  was  fully  prepared  to  commence  an  exposi- 
tion of  the  Scriptures.  An  exhortation  to  the  duty  of  remem- 
bering our  Creator  in  youth  had  been  given  at  the  first  meeting; 
a  statement  of  the  evidences  of  the  inspiration  of  the  sacred 
volume  had  been  made  at  the  second.  The  divine  word,  in  all 
its  richness  and  glory,  then  became  the  subjectof  our  meditations; 
and,  at  the  third'meeting,  a  beginning  was  made  at  the  first  verse 
of  Genesis,  with  the  intention  of  continuing  to  the  last  of  Reve- 
lation. Nor  was  this  intention  a  vain  one  :  the  Lord  enabled  us 
to  go  through  the  whole  of  Scripture;  and  the  employment  was 
found  so  delightful,  we  began  again  ;  and  still  again  ;  so  that  when 
I  left  America,  we  had  commenced  our  third  review  of  the  sacred 
pages.  Blessed  be  God  for  the  strength  he  imparted  and  the  hap- 
piness he  vouchsafed  to  at  least  one  spirit  during  those  successive 
jneditations  upon  his  glorious  volume  I 

What  blissful  hours  I  then  enjoyed  ! 
How  sweet  their  memory  still ! 

But  to  return.  Having  at  the  first  lecture  given  questions  out 
of  the  first  ten  chapters  of  Genesis,  and  at  the  second  lecture 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  535 

received  answers  to  those  questions,  at  the  third  I  had  those  an- 
swers in  hand,  and  was  therefore  ready  to  give,  along  with  an 
■exposition   of  the  chapters  themselves,  such   comment   on   the 
answers  as  appeared  desirable.     This  comment  was  always  given 
with  freedom,  because  I  knew  not  whose  answer  was  the  subject 
of  it;  so  that  if  the  writer  of  an  answer  had  fallen  into  a  mistake, 
and  it  was  expedient  to  allude  to  that  mistake,  I  was  sure  that,  in 
making  the  allusion,  I  did  not  occasion  any  peculiarly  unpleasant 
eensations.     The  author  of  the  mistake  was  known  to  no  indi- 
vidual in  the  lecture-room  save  herself.     The  opportunity  of  unre- 
strained expression  of  opinion,  which  this  n^ave  me,  was  valuable: 
not  merely  the  expression  of  opinion,  with  reference  to  essential 
doctrine  and  duty,  which  all  are  bound  to  give;  but  to  those  minor 
errors,   which,  because  they  are  not  of  the   highest   degree  of 
moment,  are  not  always  corrected.     The  comment  upon  the  an- 
swers was  as  free  as  my  thoughts.     This  comment  was  as  full, 
also,  as  time  and  strength  permitted.     It  sometimes  was  short:  it 
was  not  permitted  to  interfere  with  the  exposition  of  Scripture. 
Usually  it  came  in  the  course  of  that  exposition  :  for,  the  answers 
being  to  questions  arising  out  of  the  chapters  under  review,  it  was 
only  necessary  to  take  a  passing  notice  of  them.     Sometimes  the 
answers  were  the  subject  of  remark  at  the  close  of  the  exposition : 
and  in  a  few  instances  they  were  dismissed  from  view  before  the 
exposition.     At  no  time  have  the  whole  of  the  answers  been  read 
to  the  class,  except  when  peculiar  circumstances  of  weather,  &.c. 
caused  them  to  be  not  very  numerous.     The  greatest  advantage, 
however,  lias  been  found  to  result  from  reading  those  portions  of 
the  answers  which  consisted  of  pious  reflections.     These  being 
made  by  the  member  of  the  class,  have,  when  read  by  me  to  the 
whole  class,  been  frequently  more  beneficial  than  my  own  remarks. 
The  meditations  and  reflections  of  the  young,  are,  when  urged 
with   accompanying  exhortation,  peculiarly  powerful  upon   the 
young.     I  have  often  seen  the  class  melted  into  te^rs,  when  read- 
ing to  them  those  meditations.     For  such  reading,  the  most  appro- 
priate place  was  found  to  be  the  close  of  the  exposition  of  Scrip- 
ture.    I  discovered  soon  a  great  increase  of  these  pious  reflec- 
tions in  the  answers.     There  was  not  room  for  the  indulgence  of 
vanity  in  making  them.     The  number  of  answers  was  such,  there 
was  usually  no  possibility  of  my  reading  them  all.     And,  when, 
from  the  peculiar  character  of  the  reflections  contained  in  any 
particular  answer,  I  was  led  to  read  it  aloud,  the  writer  was 
unknown  to  me,  and  continued  unknown  to  the  class.     I  had 
every  evidence  that  the  reflections  flowed  from  hearts  beginning 
to  be  influenced  by  divine  grace :  for,  not  only  were  these  reflec- 
tions written  in  the  answers,  but  many  of  the  members  of  the 
class  began  in  a  little  time  to  manifest  the  spirit  of  the  Gospel ; 
to  come  out  from  the  world,  and  separate  themselves  to  the  service 
of  Jesus. 


536  ACCOUNT  OF 

Thus  have  I  stated  in  greneral  the  manner  of  procedure:  for 
the  mode  at  the  third  time  of  meeting-  was  the  mode  throuorhout. 
The  questions  taken  home  by  the  members  of  the  class  at  the 
first  time  of  meeting-,  were  from  the  first  chapter  of  Genesis; 
those  at  the  second  meeting,  from  the  chapters  next  in  order : 
those  at  the  third,  from  the  chapters  next  following:  while  the 
answers  brought  to  the  second  meeting  were  from  the  first;  those 
brought  to  the  third  meeting  from  the  next  chapters,  and  thus 
onward  throughout  the  Scriptures.  Beginning  my  exposition  of 
Genesis  at  the  third  time  of  the  coming  together  of  the  class,  I 
had  always  in  hand  the  answers  to  the  questions  arising- out  of  the 
chapters  under  review.  I  had  therefore  the  thoughts  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  class  upon  those  chapters  before  me  at  the  time  of 
expounding  them  :  so  that  we,  as  it  were,  spread  out  our  thoughts 
upon  the  Scriptures  together;  though  no  one  uttered  a  syllable 
ciuring  the  exercisps  except  myself.  If  "the  Bible"  be  "the 
religion  of  Protestants,"  surely  such  a  mode  of  proceeding  cannot 
but  be  useful. 

As  has  already  been  stated,  the  expositions  T  gave  -were  plain 
rather  than  critical :  practical  rather  than  learned.  I  aimed  at 
laying  before  the  members  of  the  class  their  state  by  nature,  and 
the  means  of  their  recovery.  Salvation  by  grace  through 
KMTH  was  the  perpetually  recurring  theme.  Depravity,  justifi- 
cation by  faith  only,  sanctification  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  taught  as 
they  are  throughout  the  whole  of  Scripture,  were  presented  to 
view.  Whether  biography,  history,  prophecy,  divine  poetry,  or 
whatever  of  the  sacred  word  lay  in  its  grandeur  before  us,  Jesus 
was  the  continual  subject;  and  as  you  know,  my  friend,  the  name 
of  Jesus  is  "as  ointmeni  poured  forth,"  it  was  a  subject  of  which 
we  never  became  weary.  The  word,  "sweeter  than  honey,  or 
the  honey-comb,"  was  found  to  be  "  perfect,  converting  the  soul: 
sure,  making  wise  the  simple:  right,  rejoicing  the  heart." 

An  individual  concerning  whom  you  have  preached,  was  made 
of  great  use  to  us — the  venerable  Thomas  Scott.  His  Commen- 
tary was  usually  read  by  me  as  a  means  of  preparing  my  heart 
for  the  duties  of  the  class-room  :  and  the  spirit  of  his  practical 
reflections  was  the  spirit  I  was  desirous  should  breathe  through 
my  expositions  of  Scripture.  Other  works  were  studied  by  me 
of  course,  but  in  none  did  I  find  myself  so  much  refreshed;  and, 
though  my  mind  sometimes  ranged  over  a  wide  field  in  search  of 
inform-dtion,  by  no  human  aid  was  I  so  well  fitted  for  my  labour  as 
by  his.  Very  often,  indeed,  did  I  feel  thankful  that  I  was  favoured 
with  his  strong,  original,  and  spiritual  thoughts.  The  practical 
piety  of  Scott  appearing  to  me  more  precious  than  the  learning  of 
Warburton,  1  uniformly  recommended  his  Commentary. 

Several  circumstances  of  a  hisrhly  interesting  character  deve- 
loped themselves  in  the  course  of  the  exercises  of  the  class.     One 

these  was  the  manifestation  of  a  desire  to  know  "  the  way  of 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  537 

salvation,"  as  exhibited  on  the  part  of  those  who  had  before  been 
stranirers  to  it.  This  desire  was  discovered  in  the  answers.  Oil 
wastlie  question  of  the  jailor  at  Philippi  put  to  me;  and  in  such 
manner,  that  it  was  evident  the  person  puttings  it  had  not  enter- 
tained it  before.  I  found  myself  in  tlie  midst  of  those,  who  were 
beginning  to  experience  the  fulfilment  of  the  promises.  I  was 
called  upon  to  direct  the  weary  sinner  to  the  Saviour's  cross;  to 
hold  up  Jesus  in  his  various  offices;  to  comfort  the  mourner;  to 
point  the  broken  hearted  to  that  "  Lamb  of  God  who  taketh  away 
the  sins  of  the  world."  You  know  the  joy  this  must  have  occa- 
sioned in  my  heart;  you,  doubtless,  have  seen  the  young  inquiring 
the  way  to  Zion  ;  and  therefore  can  conceive,  what  I  will  not 
attempt  to  describe,  the  delight  of  my  sonl.  Oh!  that  I  could 
persuade  every  minister  of  the  altar  to  partake  of  the  same 
delight !  He  would  then  be  happier  than  the  prince  upon  his 
throne. 

The  great  benefit  of  written  answers,  and  of  answers  without 
the  names  of  the  writers,  was  more  and  more  manifest.  The 
moment  a  desire  to  know  the  way  of  salvation  sprang  up  in  the 
heart  of  any  member  of  the  class,  she  had  every  inducement  to 
communicate  it  to  me.  She  had  only  to  give  utterance  to  her 
feelings  in  her  written  answer,  and  the  counsel  or  encouragement 
she  needed,  was  at  once  given — given  without  her  attracting 
observation,  or  any  one  knowing  the  person  for  whom  it  was 
intended.  I  had  thus,  too,  an  opportunity  of  addressing  to  the 
whole  class,  the  consolation  or  advice  which  her  particular  case 
required  ;  and,  as  the  gracious  Spirit  produces  the  same  effects 
in  every  heart  on  which  he  operates,  there  was  every  probability, 
that  what  her  circumstances  called  for,  would  be  made  useful  to 
many.  Indeed,  the  result  proved  that  it  was  thus  useful ;  for, 
not  unfrequently,  after  an  exhortation  to  the  whole  class,  founded 
upon  the  answer  of  a  single  member,  I  have  received  intimations 
of  benefit  experienced  by  other  members.  The  very  fact  of  one 
who  before  was  thoughtless  concerning  her  soul,  inquiring  the 
way  of  salvation,  has  aroused  tliose  who  still  remained  thought- 
less ;  and,  instead  of  beholding  a  single  sinner  returning  to  the 
Lord,  I  have  been  called  to  rejoice  over  many — many  who  still 
continue  to  "witness  a  good  profession." 

The  freedom  of  communication  between  the  pastor  and  the 
young,  created  by  the  mode  I  have  described,  appears  to  me  to 
possess  great  advantages.  What  faithful  minister  does  not  know, 
that,  in  the  ordinary  manner  of  intercourse,  there  is  great  diffi- 
culty in  procuring  an  expression  of  the  feelings  of  the  young,  and 
especially  of  young  ladies,  on  the  subject  of  religion.  They  may 
have  salutary  impressions:  those  impressions,  however,  remain 
unknown  to  all  beside  themselves;  and,  for  want  of  fostering 
care,  continue  feeble,  instead  of  attaining  strength.  Yout.h 
requires  a  peculiar  mode  of  address,  as  well  as  childhood  and 

z2 


'}a8  ACCOUNT  OF 

middle  a  je.  Wliat  tlipn  more  manifest,  than  that  the  pastor  who 
?ipplies  that  mode  ot  address,  and  applies  it  with  a  knowledge  of 
the  circumstances  of  the  case,  must  enjoj'  a  very  great  advantage. 

The  skilful  gardener  wishes  to  observe  the  first  springing  of 
the  precious  plant ;  and  not  to  remain  a  stranger  to  it  until  it  has 
put  forth  its  fruits.  He  wishes  to  watch  over  it  with  assiduous 
•-are,  from  the  first  moment  of  its  appearance ;  that  he  ma}'  pluck 
tiie  weeds  from  around  it,  shield  it  from  the  noontide  beam,  water 
it  with  dew  from  heaven,  preserve  it  from  the  careless  traveller. 
And  is  not  the  ppritual  husbandman  equally  anxious!  Siiall  he 
not  adopt  the  means  of  ascertaining  the  first  springing  of  the 
plant  which  he  hopes  may  flourish  eternally  1 

'J'o  drop  the  metaphor — should  not  the  clerg3'man  desire  to 
know  the  first  existence  of  a  faint  wish  in  the  souls  of  the  young 
to  seek  after  wisdom  .'  What  enticements  surround  the  young  ! 
What  allurements  does  the  world  present !  How  much  from  with- 
in and  from  without,  opposes  the  youthful  traveller  in  his  attempt 
to  look  toward  Zion !  And,  to  say  no  more,  how  powerful  may 
tJie  voice  of  a  respected  clergyman  prove  in  winning  from  the 
ways  of  vanity — in  calling  from  the  paths  of  sin  !  and  what 
redoubled  power  may  that  voice  exercise,  if  its  accents  be  ad- 
dressed at  the  critical  moment!  and,  of  all  moments,  what  so  cri- 
licai  as  that  in  which  tiiere  is  a  rising  desire  within,  uniting  with 
tJie  entreaty  which  falls  upon  the  earl 

"  I  speak  that  1  do  know,  and  testify  that  I  have  seen,"  hence 
my  remarks  are  extended  to  perhaps  an  undue  length.  Oh  !  if 
the  young  pre  only  won  to  an  active  engagement  in  the  Sunday- 
fchool,  the  Bible  and  Missionary  Association,  and  other  means  of 
Christian  charity,  who  does  not  see  that  their  exposure  to  present 
and  everlasting  destruction  is  thereby  lessened! 

May  the  Lord  blesa  the  youth  of  England  ! 


LETTER  IV. 

RrT.  ANn  Dear  I^rother  : 

When  we  stood  together  in  the  galJ^'ry  of  your  cliurcli,  and 
looked  abroad  upon  the  place  where  the  pssembling  crowds  are  in 
the  habit  of  listening  to  the  preached  Word,  we  were  as  if  by  a 
j)ool  of  Bethesda,  along  which  the  Saviour  passes  to  heal.  There 
!<re  more  instances  than  one  on  record  in  which  he  has  healed 
within  those  wails.  May  those  instances  increase  in  number 
until  the  old,  the  middle  aged,  and  tiie  voung  shall  all,  by  sweet 
experience,  liave  found  iiim  to  be  "  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanc- 
tiricetion,  and  redemption." 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  5  89 

Tlie  young,  however,  are  at  the  present  moment,  my  peculiar 
care ;  and  to  ask  attention  to  tiieir  mimortal  interests,  my  deliglit- 
I'ul  vocation.  Allow  me,  therefore,  to  mention  an  advantage  or 
two  connected  with  the  Bible-class,  in  addition  to  those  1  have 
already  stated. 

It  is  no  small  benefit  to  the  youthful  mind,  to  have  at  all  times 
ready  means  of  approach  to  that  "treasury  of  things  new  and 
old"  which  the  pastor  possesses.  By  various  reading,  and  con- 
tinual prayer,  he  has  obtained  the  key  of  knowledge,  and  is  capa- 
ble of  unfolding  the  truths  of  God's  revealed  will.  I  allude  not  to 
"secret  things,"  but  to  those  which  "belong  to  us  and  to  our 
children."  In  his  studies  he  has  tbund  the  meaning  of  a  difficult 
passage ;  has  become  familiar  with  the  most  plain  and  spiritual 
expositions  of  truth.  He,  then,  has  it  in  his  power  to  convey, 
in  a  single  sentence,  information  which  it  may  take  an  unaided 
inquirer  months  to  obtain. 

Wliodoes  not  know,  that,  in  tlie  ordinary  modes  of  intercourse, 
the  young  have  no  ready  access  to  this  his  stock  of  knowledge  ! 
True,  it  is  imparted  by  him  in  his  sermons;  and  it  dwells  upon  hia 
lips  in  conversation,  as  he  passes  from  house  to  house  among  hia 
people.  But  the  natural  diffidence  of  youth  prevents  inquiry ;  and 
the  usual  intercourse  of  social  life  furnishes  no  very  favourable 
opportunity  for  inquiry  concerning  divine  revelation.  As  to  call- 
ing upon  a  pastor,  and  ascertaining  in  his  study  the  meaning  of 
Scripture,  how  many  are  deterred  from  this  by  fear  of  interrupt- 
ing liim  !  How  few  are  willing  to  call,  who  have  not  become  de- 
cidedly serious ! 

Now  we  know  it  is  the  pastor''s  business  to  throw  himself  open 
to  inquiry  :  to  lead  the  way  in  the  .search  after  truth:  and  so  to 
encourage  every  class  of  liis  hearers,  tliat  tiiere  may  not  only  be 
no  impediment,  whatever,  to  their  approaches  to  iiini,  but  that 
every  possible  facility  may  be  aflR)rded.  Nay,  more;  he  sliould 
ejccite  a  spirit  of  inquiry  :  should  call  on  the  mind  lo  think :  should 
jnake  to  it  forcible  appeals;  should  rouse  it  by  diversity  of  argu- 
ment :  should  compel  it,  as  it  were,  to  ask  him  for  intbniiation. 

All  this  is  done  in  the  course  of  the  Bible-class.  Independent 
of  the  inquiries  which  a  desire  after  tJieir  own  salvation  may  lead 
the  members  of  tlie  class  eventually  to  make,  the  pastor  there 
calls  upon  every  individual  to  "search  the  Scriptures;"  and,  if 
there  be  a  single  passage  or  subject  contained  therein,  concerning 
which,  information  is  desired,  to  state  what  that  passage  or  subject 
is,  in  the  form  of  a  question,  written  at  the  foot  of  her  answer  for 
the  week ;  promising  to  meet  every  such  question  with  the  most 
BBtisfactory  information  in  liis  power.  1  cannot  conceive  that 
any  one  will  find  a  spirit  of  unliailowed  curiosity  fostered  by  this  : 
the  same  influence  that  encourages  the  asking  of  proper  questions 
will  always  be  able  to  repress  improper  ones.  As  to  the  propriety 
of  encouraging  to  ask  questions,  we  know  that  our  blessed  Lord 


540  ACCOUNT  OF 

met  every  approach  of  his  disciples  with  the  readiest  information, 
and  graciously  invited  them  to  come  to  him. 

Nor  has  the  pastor  reason  to  fear  being  burdened  with  too  nu- 
merous questions.  My  experience,  at  least,  teaches  me  that,  in  a 
very  large  class,  they  are  not  likely  to  become  too  heavy  a  tax 
upon  even  an  ordinany  degree  of  knowledge.  I  never  found  the 
disposition  to  inquire  too  great.  We  all  know  that  the  human 
heart  is  not  naturally  prone  to  delight  in  the  Word  of  God ;  and  the 
minister  of  that  Word  need  be  under  no  apprehension  of  having 
too  much  employment  in  answering  questions  concerning  that 
Word.  Even  with  all  the  facilities  for  inquiry  presented  by  the 
Bible-class,  he  will  find  himself  called  upon  to  encourage  that 
inquiry,  rather  than  to  repress  it. 

There  was  one  set  of  questions  put  to  me,  which,  though  not 
necessarily  connected  with  passages  of  Scripture,  always  arose 
in  the  mind  which  began  to  be  influenced  by  divine  truth :  and 
that  was  with  reference  to  worldly  amusements.  The  young 
female,  trained  in  the  midst  of  idleness,  with  no  other  occupation 
than  seeking  to  be  amused ;  having  companions  as  frivolous  aa 
herself,  whose  thoughts  were  trained  in  the  school  of  romance 
and  wild  imagination ;  found,  when  she  began  to  examine  the 
Scriptures,  that  there  were  duties  resting  upon  her  which  she 
was  bound  to  discharge.  "  I  discover,"  she  began  to  say,  "  that 
my  parents  ought  to  have  my  most  assiduous  attention  ;  my  bro- 
thers, my  sisters,  should  experience  continual  proofs  of  my  love; 
the  very  servants  of  my  father's  house  must  be  regarded  as  ob- 
jects of  my  care.  I  feel  that  I  am  bound  to  seek  the  good  of  all. 
The  improvement  of  my  mind  can  no  longer  be  neglected  ;  and, 
above  all,  the  culture  of  my  heart.  Time,  therefore,  I  perceive 
to  be  precious.  How  am  I  to  employ  my  time'!  Am  I  right  in 
going  to  the  theatre  1  Are  assemblies  for  fasliionable  dissipation 
profitable  ?  I  desire  information  on  these  points."  Such  inqui- 
ries arose  in  many  minds ;  and  in  consequence,  I  was  often 
applied  to  for  my  opinion  as  to  the  usefulness  and  propriety  of  the 
theatre,  ball-room,  &c.  This  afforded  an  opportunity  of  giving 
advice  to  all  the  members  of  the  class  at  once.  Inquiry  produced 
conviction,  and  many  of  the  children  of  folly  gradually  withdrew 
from  the  paths  of  the  destroyer;  became  sensible  that  they  had 
souls — that  it  was  necessary  to  seek  the  salvation  of  those  souls — 
exercised  "repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ" — and,  abounding  in  "every  good  word  and  work,"  began 
to  "shine  in  the  beauty  of  holiness." 

It  was  no  small  advantage  connected  with  the  Bible-class,  that 
it  introduced  the  members  of  it  to  a  familiarity  with  many  of  the 
most  useful  and  practical  books.  Immediately  after  the  formation 
of  the  class,  a  plan  was  devised,  by  which  the  members  of  it  wer0 
enabled  to  procure  to  themselves  an  excellent  library.  A  small 
box  was  placed   in  the  room,  and  voluntary  contributions  were 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  541 

received  in  it,  which  were  expended  in  t!ie  purchape  of  books  for 
the  free  use  of  every  member  of  the  class.  A  yoiing  lady  took 
the  office  of  librarian,  and,  at  the  close  of  every  ineetin"-  of  the 
class,  each  of  the  members  present  was  privileji-cd  to  carry  home 
with  her  a  book.  Thus  the  writings  of  Mrs.  Hannah  More,  and 
of  such  authors  as  Mrs.  Hannah  More  would  have  recommended, 
were  procured  and  circulated  ;  and  they  were  read,  not  only  by 
the  ladies  themselves,  but,  in  many  instances,  by  the  families  to 
which  those  ladies  belonged.  Thus  parents  and  brothers  were 
benefitted. 

But  I  anticipate  the  inquiry — Why  confine  the  Bible-class  to 
young  ladies?  Are  not  the  souls  of  young  men  equally  precious  1 
Certainly;  and  in  consequence  of  the  conviction  of  their  value,  a 
Bible-class  was  established  for  the  young  men  of  St.  Paura 
Church  also.  There  was  no  difficulty  in  inducing  a  considerable 
number  of  them  to  attend  and  engage  in  the  exercises  of  a  class 
conducted  in  precisely  the  same  manner  with  that  for  young 
ladies,  and  having  connected  with  it  a  library  of  a  similar  kind. 
The  members  of  the  young  men's  Bible-class,  however,  being 
generally  employed  during  the  day,  found  it  more  convenient  to 
assemble  in  the  evening.  I  regret  to  be  obliged  to  state  that  they 
did  not  attend  in  as  great  numbers  as  the  young  ladies,  nor  was 
their  class  as  permanent.  It  ought  to  be  added,  that  a  great  body 
of  the  young  men  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia  are  prevented  from 
attending  a  Bible-class  by  the  incessant  occupation  of  all  their 
leisure  hours  in  doing  good  to  others — either  in  the  capacity  of 
Sunday-school  teachers,  distributors  of  Bibles  and  Tracts,  or 
Scriptural  agents  of  some  other  kind.  I  rejoice  in  being  permitted 
to  state  this,  although  I  am  obliged  still  further  to  add,  that  too 
many  of  the  youth  of  that  favoured  city  are  indisposed  to  every 
good  work.  The  Lord  graciously  pour  out  of  his  Spirit,  until 
the  young  of  every  land  are  converted  I  until  all  our  young  men 
deem  it  their  chief  glory  to  be  servants  of  the  King  of  kings,  and 
our  young  women  become  like  the  "  polished  corners  of  the 
temple !" 

In  process  of  time,  another  advantage  began  to  display  itselC 
The  young  ladies'  Bible-class,  (which,  as  most  numerous  and  per- 
manent, I  dwell  upon  chiefly,)  rejoicing  in  the  privilege  of  search- 
ing the  Scriptures,  directed  its  attention  toward  those  who  con- 
tinued destitute  of  the  Gospel.  "  Shall  we  sit  beneath  our  vine 
and  fig-tree;  shall  we  pluck  the  fruits  of  eternal  life." — the  mem- 
bers began  to  say — "  shall  we  possess  these  benefits,  and  not  en- 
deavour to  impart  the  privilege  of  enjoying  them  to  others?" 
Before  I  was  aware  of  it  they  had  collected  among  themselves 
fifty  dollars  (about  eleven  pounds  sterling,)  as  a  contribution  to  a 
Missionary  Society.  But  for  the  meetings  of  the  class,  this  collec- 
tion, there  is  every  reason  to  believe,  would  not  have  been  made. 


542  ACCOUNT  Of 

The^e  meetings  gave  to  the  ladies  an  increased  power  of  action 
in  the  cause  of  charity.  Good  works  which  they  would  not  have 
thought  of  doing,  isolated,  and  in  their  separate  families,  it  be- 
came easy  for  them  to  perform  when  together.  It  was  only 
necessary  for  a  plan  of  Christian  benevolence  to  be  mentioned, 
and  all,  according  to  their  disposition  and  ability,  brought  their 
oflerings,  and  the  plan  was  accomplished.  They  began  thus  to 
taste  the  luxury  of  doing  good;  and  to  some  this  was  the  com- 
mencement of  much  joy. 

Along  with  the  desire  of  doing  good  to  others,  they  indulged 
their  strong  feeling  of  gratitude  to  me  for  having  invited  them  to 
enter  a  Bible-class.  The  money  they  contributed,  they  gave  into 
the  treasury  of  the  Missionary  Societ\%  for  the  benefit  of  those 
who  were  destitute  of  the  Gospel :  but  according  to  the  terms  of 
the  constitution  of  the  society,  they  gave  it  to  entitle  me  to  the 
privileges  of  patron  or  director  of  the  Society.  This  act  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  number  of  others  of  a  similar  kind:  so  that,  through 
the  force  of  their  thankfulness  for  the  discharge  of  a  most  delight- 
ful duty  on  my  part,  and  a  duty  of  the  most  obvious  kind,  I  have 
been  made  manager  of  several  Christian  institutions.  I  name  this 
as  a  proof  of  the  benefits  of  the  Bible-class,  and  of  the  sense 
entertained  of  those  benefits  by  the  class  itself. 

May  the  Lord  bless  all  the  world ! 


LETTER  V. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : 

It  has  ever  been  my  desire  to  see  instruction  made  pleasant. 
From  the  earliest  attention  I  have  given  to  the  subject,  I  have 
meditated  with  delight  upon  a  plan  of  communicating  knowledge, 
which  should  show,  to  the  satisfaction  of  all,  that  the  words  of 
the  divine  volume  are  true,  and  that  wisdom's  ways  are  indeed 
ways  of  pleasantness.  Briers  and  thorns  grow  in  the  path  of  sin  ; 
but  it  does  not  therefore  follow,  that  they  must  be  strewed  with 
liberal  hand  along  the  path  of  knowledge.  Because  the  "  way 
of  transgressors  is  hard,"  must  therefore  the  way  of  the  young, 
who  are  invited  to  return  to  obedience,  be  filled  with  difficulties! 
Rather  let  the  example  of  the  Saviour  instruct  us ;  let  the  spirit 
of  the  Gospel  breathe  in  all  we  do.  The  law  of  kindness  is  all- 
subduing,  while  severity  awakens  resistance. 

Truth,  we  know,  is  not  to  be  attained  by  mere  play :  there  must 
be  application  and  an  exercise  of  the  faculties.  But  in  commu- 
nicating truth,  we  certainly  have  it  in  our  power  to  imitate  him 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  543 

of  whom  it  was  said,  "  the  multitudes  wondered  at  the  gracious 
words  which  proceeded  out  of  his  mouth."  It  is  pleasant  even 
to  think  of  the  modes  of  instruction  presented  to  view  in  the 
eacred  volume.  Parable,  biography,  and  poetry,  unite  with  history 
in  furnishing  varieties  in  the  manner  of  teaching.  Is  it  not  be- 
cause Infinite  Wisdom  is  willing  to  accommodate  itself  to  human 
understanding,  that  such  varieties  exist?  Are  not  the  types, 
shadows,  emblems;  also  furnished  in  the  sacred  page,  additional 
proof  of  the  divine  condescension  1  Did  not  he  who  spake  as  never 
man  spake,  borrow  illustrations  from  the  work  of  his  own  hands 
— the  flowers,  the  birds,  and  every  other  thing  throughout  the 
range  of  his  creation  1  Are  not  the  words  we  read  in  the  Bible 
constantly  calling  upon  us  to  look  from  the  sun  in  the  firmament 
to  the  springing  blade  of  grass  for  lessons  of  wisdom  1  Why,  then, 
since  the  Almighty  bows  so  far  as  to  make  his  modes  of  conveying 
instruction  agreeable,  can  we  not  make  ours  so?  Why,  since 
divine  grace  is  ready  to  impart  its  help,  as  well  as  divine  exam- 
ple to  marshal  us  on  our  way — why,  oh !  why  can  we  not  solicit 
the  whole  of  the  rising  generation  along  the  road  to  temporal 
comfort  and  everlasting  glory  ]  Brother — or  rather,  should  I  not 
say  father — this  is  a  mighty  theme.  Your  tongue  and  pen  are 
both  well  employed  concerning  it.  Would  that  there  might  be  a 
spirit  aroused  in  this  land  sufficient  to  undertake  for  the  salvation 
of  the  young  !  determined  to  go  forward  with  the  work — to  make 
the  appeal  to  every  Christian  heart — to  flash  conviction  upon  every 
Christian  mind — to  set  before  ministers  and  parents  the  awful 
account  they  must  render — and  never  to  rest  till  all  plans  of 
instruction  are  made  both  pleasant  and  salutary :  or,  in  other 
words,  until  all  are  conformed  to  the  Bible. 

Are  we  expecting  to  stand  before  Christ,  and  receive  the 
plaudit — "  well  done,  good  and  faithful !"  and  shall  we  continue 
indifferent  to  Scriptural  education?  I  grant  that  the  poor  are  pro- 
viding for;  but  are  the  souls  of  the  rich  not  precious?  We  do 
right  in  thinking  of  Ceylon ;  we  do  right  in  sending  the  Gospel 
to  the  Hindoo;  but  are  we  right  in  neglecting  the  souls  of  the 
young  within  our  own  borders?  Oh!  Lord,  awaken  the  mind  of 
Christendom  to  this  subject;  then  will  the  knowledge  of  thy  word 
extend  throughout  the  earth. 

I  have,  as  you  are  aware,  taken  the  liberty  of  suggesting  the 
plan  of  a  Christian  Institute  ;  and,  called  upon  as  I  am  to  throw 
upon  paper  some  ideas  concerning  that  plan,  I  know  not  how  to 
proceed  with  more  propriety,  than  by  giving  an  accoutit  of  the 
efforts  I  have  been  enabled  to  make,  and  the  results  of  those  efforts. 

After  the  Youn?  Ladies'  Bible-Class  had  gone  through  the  Old 
and  New  Testament,  and  had  begun  their  delightful  task  a  second 
time,  it  occurred  to  me,  that  a  mode  might  be  devised  for  commu- 
nicating to  them  a  knowledge  of  history  in  connexion  with  the 
prophecies  of  Scripture.     The  connexion  between  sacred  and 


544  ACCOUNT  OF 

profane  history  is  in  a  high  degree  interesting ;  and  histofy 
viewed  as  a  fulfillment  of  prophecy  is  much  more  so.  The  prac- 
tice of  observing  the  rise  and  fall  of  nations  without  any  regard 
to  him  who  "  putteth  down  one  and  setteth  up  another,"  is  athe- 
istical;  and  yet  this  practice  is  very  common.  Who  writes  his- 
tory in  connexion  with  prophecy  ?  Who  reads  it  with  the  same 
connexion?  Are  not  men  in  general  content  with  looking  at  the 
exploits  of  generals;  the  valour  of  armies;  the  skill  of  states- 
men ;  without  thinking  of  that  Jehovah  who  "  does  his  will 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  ?"  I  really  know  no  course 
of  instruction  that  places  the  Bible  in  the  throne,  and  points  to 
the  God  of  the  Bible  as  directing  the  fate  of  empires.  Scipio, 
Cffisar,  Alexander,  Hannibal,  Lycurgus,  and  a  myriad  more,  are 
the  gods  to  whom  the  youthful  heart  is  made  to  bow :  its  incense 
is  usually  directed.  We  preach  about  Christ  as  King  ;  and  some 
pious  souls  talk  to  their  children  about  him  as  such  ;  but  where  la 
systematically  pursued,  that  plan  of  teaching  history  that  accords 
with  the  Scriptural  doctrine — the  Lord  "  will  overturn,  overturn, 
overturn,  and  they  shall  be  no  more  till  he  shall  come  whose 
right  it  is?"  And  is  it  to  be  expected,  my  father,  that  men  will 
acknowledge  Jehovah  as  Lord  paramount,  when  in  the  season  of 
youth  they  are  not  taught  to  honour  him  as  such  .' 

To  convey  information  to  the  youth  I  have  referred  to,  a  course 
of  lectures  was  prepared ;  together  with  a  series  of  paintings, 
representing  the  most  prominent  scenes  alluded  to  in  history. 

The  lectures  took  a  view  of  the  rise,  progress,  and  fall  of  the 
principal  nations  of  antiquity.  The  Assyrian,  the  Chaldean,  the 
Persian,  the  Grecian,  the  Roman.  Egypt,  the  cradle  of  the  nation 
of  Israel,  was  not  forgotten.  7'he  Lord  God  Omnipotent,  how- 
ever, was  continually  regarded  as  present:  his  wrath  as  destroy- 
ing— his  blessing  as  giving  prosperity — his  will  as  bestowing 
victory  upon  armies,  and  power  upon  kings.  His  great  designs 
were  exhibited  as  they  lie  developed  in  Scripture — his  intention 
to  raise  and  to  correct  Israel ;  and,  above  all,  to  bring  in  the  king- 
dom of  him  upon  whose  "shoulder  is  the  government."  The 
word  predicting  the  coming  of  Cyrus  was  shown;  and  the  life 
of  Cyrus  narrated;  his  success:  the  opening  before  him  of  the 
two-leaved  gates:  the  setting  the  captives  free:  together  with 
every  chief  event,  whether  in  the  life  of  individual  or  empire, 
which  was  calculated  lo  piove  the  inspiration  of  the  lively  oracles, 
or  present  to  view  the  Almighty  as  the  ruler  among  the  nations. 

The  paintings  were  upon  glass,  and  were  magnified  by  means 
of  lens  placed  in  a  lantern.  These  being,  as  I  have  mentioned, 
representative  of  the  prominent  scenes  mentioned  in  the  history, 
increased  in  a  vast  degree  the  interest  of  the  lectures  ;  and  i:n- 
pressed  upon  the  memory,  in  a  manner  nearly  indelible,  the  fact* 
of  the  history. 


THE  BIBLE  CLASSES.  54-5 

I  found  the  number  of  persons  disposed  to  attend  these  lectures 
very  great ;  and  was  obliged  to  resort  to  tickets,  to  prevent  being 
overwhelmed  by  too  great  a  crowd. 

The  plan  of  lecturing  upon  history  having  proved  so  successful, 
I  resolved  to  prepare  a  series  of  sermons  upon  the  wisdom  and 
power  of  God  as  exhibited  in  the  works  of  creation.  These,  as, 
like  the  lectures  upon  history,  they  were  accompanied  by  repre- 
sentations upon  glass,  were  delivered  in  an  appropriate  room 
during  an  evening  or  an  afternoon  of  the  week. 

I  adopted  such  means  of  instruction,  in  addition  to  all  those 
usually  employed  by  parochial  ministers,  for  the  purpose  of  increas- 
ing the  interest  which  the  young  already  manifested  in  the  study 
of  the  Holy  Word ;  of  increasing  their  stock  of  information  also ; 
and  of  endeavouring  to  lead  their  minds  to  see  God  every  where. 
I  found  myself  richly  repaid  in  the  pleasure  connected  with  the 
preparation  of  the  lectures ;  together  with  the  satisfaction  attend- 
ing the  delivery  of  them. 

The  sermons,  or  lectures  upon  the  wisdom  and  power  of  God, 
as  displayed  upon  his  works  of  creation,  consisted  first  of  a  view 
of  astronomy.  The  starry  heavens  have  ever  been  a  fruitful  field 
of  thought.  Scripture  has  very  many  allusions  to  them ;  and 
there  is  some  ground  for  the  saying — "  an  undevout  astronomer 
is  mad."  As  the  young  people  beheld  along  with  me  the  sun  in 
his  splendour,  the  moon  in  her  mildness,  the  changing  of  the  sea- 
sons, and  the  various  other  themes  unfolded  by  astronomy,  they 
were  led  to  entertain  higher  views  of  the  glory  of  him  who  made 
them,  and  of  his  grace  in  sending  Christ  to  die. 

You  naturally  suppose,  that  a  parish  minister,  occupied  in  the 
discharge  of  the  many  duties  devolving  upon  him,  was  unable  to 
prepare  lectures  such  as  those  just  described,  to  any  very  great 
extent.  I  was  however  called  upon  to  repeat  the  astronomical 
sermons  again  and  again.  The  interest  they  excited  was  mani- 
festly considerable.  New  classes  succeeded  the  old,  and,  as  reli- 
gion was  made  continually  my  prominent  theme,  I  am  not  without 
hope  of  benefit  having  been  received  by  some  who  listened  to 
me.  The  most  fashionable  of  our  youthful  ladies  became  so  far 
interested  as  to  attend  in  large  numbers.  The  gay  votaries  of  the 
theatre  and  city  assembly,  turned  aside  for  the  time  tc^hear  those 
sermons ;  and  a  firm  conviction  was  produced  in  my  mind,  that 
the  establishment  of  a  Christian  Institute  was  very  practicable. 

A  second  set  of  lectures  upon  astronomy  succeeded  the  first. 
This  gave  a  view  of  the  constellations :  the  first  having  been  con- 
fined to  an  outline  of  the  science.  Paley,  Chalmers,  Denham, 
and  Faber,  assisted  me  by  their  writings.  Those  writings  formed 
my  text  books.    In  the  astronomical  sermons  of  Chalmers,  I  saw, 


546  ACCOUNT  OF 

in  some  degree,  a  model ;  while  the  "  Origin  of  Pagan  idolatry" 
furnished  much  curious  information. 

The  ladies,  not  being  at  any  expense  for  a  lecturer,  contrived 
to  make  these  various  exercises  the  means  of  advancing  several 
religious  charities.  Among  themselves  they  arranged  to  contri- 
bute more  than  the  necessary  cost  of  apparatus;  and  the  surplus 
was  given,  at  their  own  option,  to  support  the  widow,  assist  the 
missionary,  or  in  some  other  manner  promote  the  cause  of  bene- 
volence. I  had  in  view,  as  a  minister  of  Christ,  their  souls' 
benefit :  they,  along  with  improvement  of  their  understandings, 
attained  the  privilege  of  indulging  the  best  feelings  of  their 
hearts.     The  effect,  in  every  respect,  was  salutary. 

The  cause  of  missions  being  very  near  my  heart,  I  felt  desirous 
of  communicating  to  the  young,  information  concerning  the  moral 
state  of  the  world,  and  the  progress  of  the  Gospel.  I  therefore 
prepared  a  series  of  lectures  on  the  religious  condition  of  the 
several  nations  of  the  earth :  interweaving  an  account  of  the 
labours  of  Bible  and  other  Christian  societies;  a  statement  of  the 
number  and  efficiency  of  the  Missionary  stations;  a  view  of  the 
horrible  excesses  of  paganism ;  anecdotes  of  converted  heathen  ; 
and,  in  general,  whatever  appeared  best  calculated  to  enlighten 
the  understanding,  or  impress  the  heart  on  the  great  subject  of 
the  universal  diffusion  of  the  Gospel.  I  had,  as  in  former  lectures, 
representations  painted  upon  glass,  proeenting  to  the  eye  the  va- 
rieties of  mankind ;  specimens  of  their  idols;  some  of  their  cities 
and  temples ;  natural  scenery ;  and  in  short,  a  view  of  the  world. 

Now,  you  have  an  idea,  my  friend,  of  what  I  mean  by  a  Chris- 
tian Institute.  It  consists  of  a  series  of  lectures  on  the  various 
branches  of  history  and  natural  philosophy;  so  prepared  as  to 
make  the  Bible  always  prominent,  and  present  Jehovah  always 
ruling:  and  so  delivered,  with  just  accompaniments,  as  to  create 
the  highest  possible  degree  of  interest.  What  is  to  prevent  the 
establishment  and  certain  process  of  such  a  plan? 

The  researches  of  travellers  furnished  me  very  great  aid  in  the 
lectures  it  was  my  privilege  to  deliver.  Sir  R.  Kerr  Porter,  for 
instance,  speaks  of  a  piece  of  sculpture,  near  the  summit  of  a 
precipitous  mountain  on  the  borders  of  ancient  Assyria.  This  he 
supposes  tot  be  a  memorial  of  Salmanezer's  victory  over  Israel. 
I  had  his  view  transferred  to  glass,  and  gave  an  account  of  the 
discovery  in  one  of  my  lectures.  Belzoni  unfolded  the  wonders 
of  a  new  tomb  supposed  to  be  that  of  Pharoah  Necho.  I  gave  his 
account  of  the  sarcophogus,  and  a  view  of  the  tomb.  And  from 
whatever  quarter  interesting  facts  corroborating  Scripture,  or  en- 
lightening the  mind  concerning  the  moral  state  of  man,  were  to 
be  gained,  I  endeavoured,  in  some  orderly  arrangement,  to  inter- 
weave them  into  the  lectures.     The  thoughts  of  youth  were  thus 


THE  BIBLE  CASSES.  547 

kept  well  occupied.    Their  very  instructions  were  sources  of  high 
gratification :  and  they  constantly  discovered  new  cause  to 

love  their  Bible  more, 

And  take  a  fresh  delight 
By  day  to  read  its  pages  o'er, 

And  meditate  by  night. 

If,  in  the  course  of  these  hints,  any  information  has  been  given, 
calculated  to  be  beneficial  to  the  young,  I  bless  God  for  it ;  and  I 
hope  you  will  unite  with  me  in  praying,  that  He  who  has  all 
hearts  in  his  hand,  may  incline  the  ministers  of  the  altar  to 
increase  their  labours  for  the  best  interests  of  the  rising  gene- 
ration. 


ERRATA. 

On  page  7th,  second  line  from  bottom,  for  .erood  read  gave. 
On  page  117,  eighteenth  line  from  top,  for  Morris  read  Norris. 
On  page  121,  fourteenth  line  from  top,  for  Martinsborough  read 

Martinshurg. 
On  page  226,  sixteenth  line  from  bottom,  for  Henderson  read 

Henshaw. 
On  page  329,  eighth  line  from  bottom,  for  fo  read /or. 
On  page  349,  eleventh  line  from  top,  for  as  read  us. 
On  page  363,  seventh  line  from  bottom,  for  Loadicians  read  Lao- 

dicians. 
On  page  377,  thirteenth  line  from  top,  for  except  read  expect. 
On  page  494,  seventeenth  line  from  top,  for  his  read  its. 


